Erba Pura is a fresh project that doesn’t shy away from experimentation. Comprising Azrin (synths) and Najib (drums), the duo hails from Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. Both musicians bring extensive experience from the local underground scene—Azrin through projects like The Quiet Force, Islandus Collective, Ø Mother, and Riftia, and Najib via Opus, Jiblis Meets Sonic Guru, Obligasi, and Sudirrrman.
Their roots in hardcore punk laid the groundwork for a shared desire to push beyond traditional sonic limits, resulting in Erba Pura, a project that melds electronic textures with live, jazz-infused drumming.
Their debut track, Craftsman & The Traders, clocks in at 19 minutes and is a deliberate homage to the Rock in Opposition and Zeuhl movements.
These influences shape the piece’s intricate layers: repetitive odd-time grooves, droning basslines, minimal synth sequences, and atmospheric textures. The composition balances tight structure with moments of raw improvisation, offering an immersive and hypnotic experience
Erba Pura’s vision extends beyond this debut. They’re actively working on new material, aiming to integrate more improvisational elements and dynamic shifts into their sound. For Azrin and Najib, it’s a living, evolving exploration of sound.
Malaysia’s underground scene plays a vital role in supporting such projects.
Over the years, the country has seen a surge of experimental and boundary-pushing acts.
Labels like Hardcore Detonation, Nomad Stores, Utarid Tapes, Broken Noise, Into the Fray Records, Reepcord, Tempang Records, and Pissed Off Records provide the backbone for this movement.
These collectives champion local musicians, offering platforms for release, distribution, and promotion that are often absent from mainstream channels. Azrin and Najib recognize how integral this network has been to their journey, creating opportunities for their art to thrive in an otherwise challenging landscape.
With Erba Pura, Azrin and Najib are staking a claim in this vibrant ecosystem. The project is not just of their own artistic aspirations but also of the vitality of Malaysia’s underground scene.
