Indonesian Darkwave Band Camlann Finds Its Stride

Comin’ atcha from Jakarta, Indonesia: Camlann!

This fledgling post-punk group was formed in early 2019. Despite a musical gravitas usually performed by people twice their age, everyone in Camlann is remarkably still in their teens. The band currently features guitarist/vox Ony Godfrey (16), bassist Bayu Triyudanto (16) and synth player/composer Fauzan Pratama (16). They’re joined by producer Chariszan (16) and co-songwriter Arachne (17).

Initially starting Camlann as a fun hobby, Godfrey and Chariszan didn’t expect anything out of the endeavour. They were pleasantly surprised, however, when their music caught on in Indonesia after releasing their first EP, The Arrival, in August 2019. The band’s lineup has already seen a dramatic shift since its inception, but they’ve since found their stride.

“Camlann was never really taken seriously before Fauzan and Bayu joined the group,” says Godfrey. The newcomers encouraged a more serious approach. “We always wanted to make darker music since the beginning.

The group found a common interest in Joy Division, The Smiths, Drab Majesty, Morrissey, and The Velvet Underground. Godfrey cites the vocals of Nico and Ian Curtis as the main influences in his delivery.

Camlann embraces dark lyrics and ethereal, haunting melodies as it blurs dark post-punk, new wave, and darkwave.

In May of this year, Camlann released their single, To Vatican, from their 10-track album, The Forgotten Lost Fragments.

“Chariszan suggested giving the album “shock value” by putting an 80’s happy sounding disco/funk song on the album,” says Godfrey.  “To be honest, all of us are pretty new to the Indonesian music scene. We got introduced to the scene by our previous manager and record label a year ago. Since then, we started to search and discover more local Post-Punk acts.”

Camlann would love to someday collaborate with their musical heroes, Los Angeles outfit Drab Majesty. “It would be a dream come true if someday we could make something together with them,” says Godfrey. “We’re influenced a lot by their music and we look up to them.”

Check out The Forgotten Lost Fragments on Bandcamp, as well as a clip of the band performing Father Figure (above).