DESCRIPTION:
My fondest memory with Whisper Desire dated back around 2007, carrying tens of their EP “Cerah Berawan” cds from Jakarta to Jatinangor by bus and started selling them to my friends in Uni who are into music. A super DIY direct selling, if you will.

Offered with such peculiar thing, their first question was of course “what kind of music is this?” and my template answer was “it’s a mixture between The Cure, Death Cab for Cutie and Pure Saturday.” I remember it was the first time I’m being really proud recommending local band to people. You know that feeling when you found good bands and you just want to do anything to help them become bigger, better. The very same reason why we established Sounds From The Corner.

The name Whisper Desire might not resound collectively in everyone’s ears, but if you recognise this band, I’m sure that you have strong memories with this band. Whisper Desire bridged a period in the local scene when everything was pretty much bland and boring. Having such a strong liaison in the terms of guitar hooks and rhythmic patterns, people’s first verdict on them was easy and predictable: The South Jakartans is Pure Saturday’s successor. The designation was half true, quite boasting yet misleading. Until today, stereotyping is indeed people’s easiest way towards acknowledgment.

The classic indie pop feeling enlivened by Whisper Desire was not only brought back by Freddy Aritonang’s pitchy-by-demand vocal but also the whole corridor of uplifting climate and romance that also became the signature moves by the likes of The Cure, Blur and other similar kingpins. It was their floating and personal lyrics that caught me in the first place, singing about friendship and doubting the future. Somehow the lyrics fit my feelings contextually, and the songs become my instant time-machine every time i hear them.

With only two EPs released and a brief exposure from local media, Whisper Desire’s short and fruitful journey made them a treasure among music enthusiasts in Indonesia. Debris of their music scattered throughout the web, and I still find random people talking about them, and hoping someday there will be something from Whisper Desire. The concise career was there to be pitied, but the music remains proudly in people’s heart.

For old times’ sake, they performed one more time at guitarist Mikael Mirdad’s surprise birthday party. When we heard the news, took seconds for us to decide to film their so called secret performance. And documenting this performance makes it not only valid for them to resonate, but also for you guys who have been listening to Whisper Desire every now and then. Music is here to remind, enhance and introspect. Ladies and Gentlemen, Sounds From The Corner presents: Whisper Desire. - Teguh Wicaksono