MALAYSIAN indie rock veteran Mohd Jayzuan is expected to launch his latest album 'Filokalis' later this month.
'Filokalis' is slated for an October 16 release and will be available on major streaming services, while the CD format of the recording will be sold at only RM10.
The upcoming release is also the third full-length solo album in Mohd Jayzuan's discography, following the release of 'Love-Fi' under imprint Bodysurf Music in 2008, and ‘Pop n’ Roll’ via Projek Rabak in 2015.
Mohd Jayzuan's most recent release, titled 'Sorry, Poor Connection' in 2019, saw him focus on experimental music and work alongside Indonesian art collective ruangrupa.
In a statement, Mohd Jayzuan described 'Filokalis' as his most "intimate" and "personal" album he has ever produced, while the concept is aimed at recording the existence of a special person.
Mohd Jayzuan also said the making of 'Filokalis' was a process of recovery and redemption.
Asked why he sold the album at RM10, Mohd Jayzuan said, "It's because Ian Mackaye asked (to do so)," referring to the member of pioneering American hardcore bands Minor Threat and Fugazi, who is known for promoting the DIY ethos in releasing music.
Categorising the record as 'romantic pop', Mohd Jayzuan recorded the album with the help of Indonesian producer Adink Permana, a Jakarta-based musician who has work alongside the likes of Sore, Payung Teduh, Harlan Boer, Malaysian Noh Salleh, Ayushita, and more.
Adink, who has known Jayzuan since 2009, said "the album is not merely songs, it's a fervent prayer."
Meanwhile, Mohd Jayzuan said 'Filokalis' was recorded in music studio and performance space Nagarakota in Lumut, Perak, and was engineered by Mohd Najmi Jamaluddin, while Adink recorded his parts in Ecoando Sons, Jakarta.
The album was also arranged by Dzulky Sunarya, with the mastering done by Solideo Kevin, both of whom worked on the project in Sine Studio, Jakarta.
Mohd Jayzuan said the album cover was done by Redzuandy Ramly, his favourite graphic artist.
'Filokalis', which was also another release under Projek Rabak, received assistance from PORT Ipoh, which falls under the Perak Creative Fund. Those interested in buying the album can contact Sementara Dream projects at 0112-094-744. – The Vibes, October 3, 2021
