Sambasunda: 'Java' Receives High Critical Acclaim Across Europe

Sambasunda Quintet have received high critical acclaim for their latest album 'Java' released on Riverboat Records - and the world music scene has welcomed them with open arms. Like a proud parent, we thought it worthwhile doing a press round-up of all their fantastic work over the past few months.

'Java' has hit the World Music Charts straight in as a new entry at no. 4 - and is constantly on the rise. The album has been highly received, with reviews coming out from Sweden, Spain, Netherlands and aired on radio programmes in Switzerland and Austria. For those in the UK, Sambasunda Quintet have featured on World on 3 - which is currently available on BBC iplayer. 

Integral Magazine (Spain) stated that it is 'one of the most interesting cultural projects developed in Indonesia in recent years'. A review from Paul Fisher in fRoots claims that the album is:

...all beautifully played in that charming, wistful, Sundanese way, but perhaps the album’s greatestassetis the new singer Neng Dini Andriatti.  Sunda is known for its female vocalists and Neng appearsto bea worthy addition to a long line of singing stars.

Karla's Wereldmuziek Blog (Netherlands) also picks up on the band's new singer Neng Andriati Dini, 'whose seductive voice is central to the album'. 

The album has been a tremendous success and has even seen the ensemble participate in musical workshops after concerts. At York St. John University, Sambasunda Quartet gave a workshop with music students. It offered the students a phenomenal opportunity to learn more about an under-represented music. 

Additionally, a huge thank you to The Search for Magik for this wonderful video and photo coverage of Sambasunda Quintet's performance at Union Chapel on February 26 - all available here.