THE RAWS // SINGLE "DANSA PORAK PORANDA"

Almost four years after the release of their 2021 album Transisi, The Raws are back with a fresh single titled Dansa Porak Poranda. This track serves as a reflection of the despair felt in Jakarta, a city where social inequality is starkly visible. With its raw, candid lyrics filled with questions, the band invites listeners to dive into the profound unease felt by those marginalized in this bustling metropolis.

In the context of the song, “Dansa” doesn’t refer to celebration, but to a form of resistance, or perhaps a survival tactic amidst chaos. In a world where everything seems to be falling apart, those at the bottom of the city’s social ladder still “dance” — not to celebrate, but simply to survive. It’s a defiant act against the uncertainty that looms over their daily lives, a means to keep moving forward, even in the midst of collapsed hopes.

The song’s lyrics capture the harsh realities of life caught in an aimless, unending routine. In the line “Berdansa diantara reruntuhan Jakarta” (“Dancing amidst the ruins of Jakarta”), The Raws don’t just portray the city as a place of grandeur, but as one where dreams are often crushed. The recurring question “Apakah kita dalam keresahan yang sama?” (“Are we in the same anguish?”) hints at a shared experience of struggle, an unspoken bond among those left behind by the fast-moving city.

Thematically, Dansa Porak Poranda continues the narrative of Taklukkan Djakarta (2012), a track from their previous album Transisi. Both songs address Jakarta’s deep social inequality, but where Taklukkan Djakarta took a more direct approach, Dansa Porak Poranda delves deeper into the overlooked and darker side of the city. Jakarta, with all its luxury and power, still leaves many of its citizens stranded in cycles of poverty and instability.

In addition, Dansa Porak Poranda marks an exciting new chapter for The Raws with the introduction of a new lineup, featuring Baya on vocals and Rama on drums. They join Jaws (vocals, guitar) and Gank (bass), solidifying the formation of the Megapollutant Jakarta Pogo Punk Squadron. After experimenting with a broad range of sounds on Transisi, Dansa Porak Poranda sees The Raws returning to their roots with a 90s-style American Pogo Punk sound.

Dansa Porak Poranda is an anthem for those who continue to struggle, even in the face of overwhelming odds. It reminds us that while the world around us may crumble, the will to keep going never fades. With this new release, The Raws reaffirm their position as the voice of the marginalized, the forgotten, and the displaced.

Dansa Porak Poranda is available for streaming now on toxicnoiserecords.bandcamp.com

About The Raws

THE RAWS was formed in 1998 in East Jakarta under the initial name Contradict. A year later, the band changed its name to The Raws. The period from 2000 to 2006 became an incredibly productive phase for the band, who dubbed themselves the Megapollutant Jakarta Pogo Punk Squadron. During this time, they released 8 physical albums, including 3 compilation albums: Still One Still Proud Vol. 3 (2000), A Tribute To Ramones (2004), and Total Fuckin’ Pogo (2005). They also released 3 split albums, such as Proud To Be Punks – 4 Way Split with The Innocents, Brigade Of Bridge, and Mohican Freaks (2001); The Raws … Up Yours / Septictank Life Goes On (2002); and Unspoken Action Vol. 1, an 8-way split featuring Deadendwish, Spiky Mcky, Government Shit, Extra Pampers, Critic Crust, Total Confused, and Debu Asmara.Additionally, they released one EP, Contra Reality EP (2003), and the album Here Come The Suburban Rockers, The Spirit Is Far From Over (2006). After this period, The Raws almost stopped releasing physical albums, although a few singles appeared on social media, such as Taklukkan Djakarta (2012), Lingkaran Setan Rutinitas (2017), and Enter Black Hole (2017). After 15 years without releasing a full album, The Raws finally released a new album titled Transisi. This album was released on cassette format on March 21, 2021, by Toxic Noise Records.