The Kuantan-based band ghüu has unveiled their latest demo, akür/engkär, marking their first step into the progressive post-rock/post-metal scene, blending ethereal atmospheres with intense metallic and post-hardcore weight.
Featuring members who have played in Abjad Aksara, Fushojiki, Quarter Life, The Waltz, and Cassia, ghüu draws on a collective background of diverse styles and moods and it marks one of their biggest strengths.
When you hear “post–rock,” your first instinct might be to roll your eyes, but hold up—this isn’t the kind of meandering ambiance that puts you to sleep. There’s a raw dynamism here, an instrumental backbone sharp enough to anchor the chaotic screams of a post-hardcore band. Compositionally, they’ve clearly set their sights high, and you can hear that ambition etched into every layer of this material. It’s hard not to wonder where they’ll take it next.
It’s fair to say the band hasn’t yet reached the kind of epic, immersive depth that only a high-caliber production can bring—but let’s not forget, this is a demo.
The demo showcases ghüu’s ambition, combining ambitious instrumentation with themes addressing pressing societal and geopolitical issues.
According to the band, “Our lyrics incorporate spoken-word passages and audio samples from poetry, interviews, and speeches to provide context and evoke vivid imagery. While the genre emphasizes atmospheric soundscapes, our goal is to connect deeply with listeners and raise awareness of the themes explored in each track.”
“akür”
This track examines the harsh realities of adapting to modern economic challenges, delving into rising living costs and the effects of evolving policies. Instrumentally, it layers heavy riffs with introspective melodies to evoke tension and resilience.
“engkär”
Inspired by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, this track critiques violations of international norms and laws. It uses dynamic shifts and dissonance to mirror the chaos and intensity of the topic, aiming to provoke thought rather than prescribe answers.
“akür/engkär”
The titular fusion track merges the narratives of the preceding two, creating an expansive sonic journey. With recurring motifs and evolving soundscapes, it stands as a cohesive conclusion to the demo.
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The band formed out of a shared interest in post-rock, post-metal, and storytelling. Their members’ backgrounds span alternative, hardcore, post-punk, and indie rock scenes, reflecting in their intricate arrangements. “Our journey to form ghüu reflects both our collective experiences in the music scene and our shared ambition to undertake a challenging project that shapes a unique sound and creative direction.”
Their lyrical and instrumental focus draws heavily from real-world themes like economic inequality, political instability, and societal challenges. This grounding in current events lends weight to their compositions, making their music as much about commentary as it is about the listening experience.
Kuantan’s alternative music scene, though niche, is quite vibrant with talent. ghüu notes the importance of exploring local acts such as Piet Onthel, Mortar, Changes, Rusted, and others who contribute to the community’s creative energy.
Beyond Kuantan, Malaysia’s scene is experiencing a wave of innovation, particularly within shoegaze and adjacent genres. Bands like Feral, Heavener, and Aktadiri are noted for their contributions to this broader cultural movement.
With an EP slated for mid-2025, ghüu plans to host a release party and begin touring.
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