LOS ANGELES (Top40 Charts/ GOLD LABEL) - After more than 15 million records sold in its Indonesian homeland, Slank is breaking out with its first worldwide English language album, "Anthem for the Broken Hearted."
Slank's decidedly Western sound has a broad appeal to lovers of pop music with a rock edge. Its lyrics, however, draw from its Indonesian foundation, focusing on the trials and tribulations of living in a struggling, third-world country. The album's title, in fact, is not an ode to the lovesick, but a reference to the Indonesian people.
"We come from a country where there are still injustices and corruption occurring," said drummer Bimbim. "That's why there are many broken hearted. But in this state we still have the faith and spirit to put the anthem on, the anthem for the broken hearted."
After achieving momentous success at home, Slank now has its eyes set on the rest of the world.
"We want to explore our new musical experiences, and we need to bring our 'peace virus' to the world," said Bimbim. "We believe with music we can change the world, and in English we can get wider attention."
Despite its 'music with a message,' Slank's main focus is creating good old-fashioned catchy songs like "Devilinu" and "Drug Me Up." Recorded in California while the band was holed up in Studio City, "Anthem for the Broken Hearted" was produced with esteemed guitarist-turned-producer Blues Saraceno.
Slank is prepared to support the release of "Anthem for the Broken Hearted" with a U.S. tour this fall, though the dates will not be Slank's first in America. The band has already had the chance to play for audiences in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Virginia, and New York.
"Most of the audiences were great and very enthusiastic," Bimbim said. "We met new people and friends, made new fans, and met old fans who lived in the U.S. for long time and never had a chance to see Slank live."
Undoubtedly, Slank will be recruiting plenty of new fans to be "Slankers" as they experience its energetic live shows and listen to its infectious album.
SLANK tour dates:
11/01/08 Sat. Ohio Expo Center - Rhodes Hall, Columbus, OH
11/02/08 Sun. Santos Party House, New York, NY w/ Notorious MSG, Fan Tan
11/05/08 Wed. Jammin Java, Vienna, VA w/The Underwater
11/06/08 Thu. 8x10, Baltimore, MD w/The Underwater
11/07/08 Fri. JC Dobbs, Philadelphia, PA w/The Underwater
11/08/08 Sat. Bill's Bar, Boston, MA w/Notorious MSG, The Rice Cookers, The Underwater
11/10/08 Mon. Water Street Music Hall, Rochester, NY w/ The Underwater, QuietDrive
11/11/08 Tue. Reggies Rock, Chicago, IL w/ The Underwater
11/12/08 Wed. The Senator Theatre, Chico, CA w/Ozomatli
11/13/08 Thu. Crystal Bay Casino, Crystal Bay, NV w/Ozomatli
11/14/08 Fri. McNear's Theatre, Petaluma, CA w/Ozomatli
11/15/08 Sat. The Catalyst, Santa Cruz, CA w/Ozomatli
11/20/08 Thu. The Regent Theatre, Los Angeles, CA w/The Little Bastards
