Demographics of a region play a significant role in the evolution of music genres. We often see folk music flourishing in mountainous areas, or surf music emerging from coastal plains. However, some artists defy their natural surroundings, like The Panturas.

The Panturas is a surf-rock band that originated in Jatinangor, Bandung, an area where folk music thrives like mushrooms in the rainy season. Comprising Abyan Zaki (Vocals & Guitar), Rizal Taufik (Guitar), Bagus ‘Gogon’ (Bass), and Surya Fikri (Drums), they deliver beach-inspired rhythms influenced by icons like Dick Dale and The Ventures, as well as classic Indonesian rock groups such as Kwartet Bintang and Eka Sapta.

In February 2018, they released their mini-album titled Mabuk Laut, which propelled them into the forefront of Indonesia’s micro-gig scene and led to performances at major domestic festivals. Following the success of Mabuk Laut, they launched their debut full-length album in 2021, Ombak Banyu Asmara. This album took The Panturas on a journey further than they had ever imagined.

Now, in 2024, almost a decade into their artistic journey, The Panturas shows no signs of slowing down. They have released a mini-album with Sundanese influences this year, a refreshing work that not only explores linguistic nuances but also incorporates traditional Sundanese pentatonic scales interwoven with The Panturas’ signature surf-rock DNA.