Bingkai Karya – Marking the conclusion of her Kenduri Tour and Concert series, Rara Sekar’s solo project, Hara, gifted fans with a year-ending mini-album titled “Layar Terkembang (With Sails Unfurled)”.
This five-track offering isn’t just a closing chapter; it’s a tapestry woven with nostalgia, gratitude, and the promise of new horizons.
Unlike a defined narrative, “Layar Terkembang” resonates as a “Side B,” complementing the “Side A” energy of the Kenduri album. Here, familiar tracks like “Tembang Tandur” and “Kebun Terakhir” are transformed with the grace of a string quintet, while Daramuda’s “Growing Up” adds a touch of collaborative magic.
But the spotlight truly shines on two brand-new gems: “Sebuah Lagu untuk Teman (A Song for a Friend)” and the titular “Layar Terkembang (With Sails Unfurled)”.
“Sebuah Lagu untuk Teman” is deeply personal for Rara, a poignant blend of thank you, apology, and farewell. It’s a reflection on life’s inevitable separations, a sentiment amplified by the soaring strings.
The EP’s namesake, “Layar Terkembang,” embodies the spirit of moving forward. Born from Yogyakarta and nurtured in Wellington, New Zealand, the song speaks of unfurling sails and embracing the winds of change.
Rara’s musical journey is far from over. She’s already prepping her debut full album and exploring the depths of ambient-experimental-improvisational soundscapes.
Even as she embarks on New Zealand stages, she leaves us with the echoes of “Layar Terkembang (With Sails Unfurled)”. It’s a gift to cherish, a reminder that sometimes, goodbyes pave the way for beautiful new beginnings. So, put on your headphones, raise the volume, and let Hara’s music guide you as you set your own sails for 2024 and beyond.
