Third State with their latest single “Dua Kutub” has got under my skin in a blink of the eye, so I’ve decided to lend an ear to their previous material, the 2018 EP “Entropy”. Why? Well, I like to learn about the artist a little more and see what progress (if any) they make.
And wow, that’s quite a difference here.
I am going by the Spotify playlist, by the way, so excuse my ignorance, if the actual playlist is different.
Anyway, the EP starts with “Everlast”, a 4:57 long track probably best categorize as nu-metal / poprock hybrid, with some passages reminding me of Nickelback (and you can laugh as much as you like, I do like them, so the joke is on you), but the nu-metal is more prevalent here. I am thinking hard what song it reminds me in that background choir passage around 2:37, I like that placement. Third State know that in the person of Luqman Hertanto Herman they have a great vocalist, and he’s doing his best.
The song itself is varied, which may be viewed somewhat confusing, but at least it’s not boring and that counts.
We follow with “Exile”, a nice modern rock song, I don’t know, but it reminds me of The Rasmus and “In the Shadows” single (however, I hope the reader understands that by stating that I am talking about what I feel by making comparison I’d like to give you a example, I don’t try to say such and such bands tries to rip off this or that band, ok?)
“Bebas” is the third one to enjoy and I am happy to inform you, it’s sung in Indonesian. I am really glad non-English bands try to bring up lyrics in their native language, and it definitely can be heard Luqman is much more confident in his native bahasa, which gives the song the necessary spark and drive. The song itself has a good rock vibe, although Third State put emphasis also on keyboards/strings part. I think they could carry the song on the classic instruments (guitar, bass, drums) alone without any problems too, but this arrangement is OK too.
“Am I Legend”, asks Luqman in next, a 4:44 long song. I didn’t like this one at first, as there was nothing in the beginning I could hang onto, but the build up is slow here, and by the end of the song you’ll want to hear it again. Again, guys were aware of the necessity of doing something unexpected to spice things up, and as a result we have a little intermezzo in the last third, before we’re getting back on track (pun almost intended, lol). Kudos to them, it sounds weird, but in the good sense. Good weird. Weird good. Whatever.
The last song on the EP is “Selamat Jalan” and even with my limited bahasa knowledge I know it’s “Goodbye”. It’s a sad ballad (which is not hard to guess, well, goodbyes are never happy, aren’t they) and the longest song on this EP (clocking in 6:02). And again, sung in Indonesian, the song simply sounds better. And I’d say that this position suits Third State the best, they are able to evoke nice emotions and relaxing mood at the same time (until the song explodes in a short outburst almost at the end).
As it’s my habit – let’s sum this review up. It’s a mixed bag, it sounds like band was trying to determine which way to go and it might be somewhat overwhelming at times and little too much of everything. However, don’t dismiss this EP, it clearly shows Third State’s potential as musicians and songwriters and if the present single is any indication of choice they want to follow, they make a good one (but that just my opinion).
Listen to the EP at Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/5MXXf4PMcMnvpwwIKBj0Py?si=kSwp_M-gT_yZNvzuK_26JA
