Batavia Collective drop sophomore single on R&S Records

Little doubt should be cast when it comes to how Jakarta-based threesome Batavia Collective can follow up their already highly acclaimed and successful debut single, 'Affirmation'.

Continuing their new relationship with Belgian electronic imprint R&S Records, 'Propulsion' dropped on June 10 as Batavia Collective's sophomore single. Doni Joesran, Elfa Zulham and Kenny Gabriel conjure their future-jazz wizardry to create a head-swaying, dramatic, quick-step frenzy that's reminiscent of the manic streets of Jakarta — all whilst maintaining a level of criminal smoothness.

'Propulsion' is a cosmic trip to a familiar, heart-melting nook of a galaxy-not-so-far-away, but far enough to lift your feet, and mind, a few astronomical units off the ground.

Read this next: Watch: Jakarta’s wired energy gets tribute in Batavia Collective concert for Goethe-Institut Indonesien

The trio make every effort to encapsulate you in groove-hedonism, and after watching the video below, it'll be easy for you to see how deep their efforts are rooted in their level of left-of-field approach to their craft.

Despite being jazz-orientated and schooled musicians, we simply can't, and they simply won't allow us to classify them as a modern jazz band of any sort. Batavia Collective, or BCTV, explain, “We are often asked what kind of jazz this is. To tell you the truth we don’t know. We don’t even know if our music can be considered jazz or not.” That sounds like a jazz musician's answer to us.

From previous exchanges with BCTV and from following them throughout their endeavours, such as their live performance for Goethe Institut Indonesien and their curated showcase (P)RONOUNCE, the trio never cease to impress and do so with utmost ease and humility.

Mixmag Asia recommends keeping an eye out for these guys being billed on a fly poster, as headliners, in your city, one day soon.

Read this next: Future jazz specialists Batavia Collective sign 'Affirmation' to R&S Records

Batavia Collective 'Propulsion' is out now on R&S Records. Grab your digital copy here.

Arun Ramanathan is Mixmag Asia’s Director. Follow him on Instagram.