Following up on their debut single “Abyss” last year, Indonesian vocal quartet Mantradhara is back with a fresh track titled “Yamien.” Marking a significant milestone for the group, this release is their very first song sung entirely in Indonesian.
While named after the band members’ favorite sweet-and-spicy noodle dish, “Yamien” serves up more than just food cravings. The band initially explored a different direction, but ultimately pivoted to a theme everyone genuinely loved. What started as a lighthearted tribute quickly evolved into a full-blown narrative about high school drama and tangled teenage romance.
“The initial concept was simple—we wanted to create a sort of ‘theater of the mind,'” explains band member Ijes. “It centers on four high school freshmen who share an obsession with yamien noodles. On their way to the cafeteria, they clash with a clique of annoying upperclassmen, leading to a showdown over the last bowl.”
The song’s meaning goes deeper than schoolyard rivalries. Group member Gianna Putri adds that “Yamien” works as an extended metaphor for romance: a sweet, irresistible guy who draws everyone in, causing both addiction and headaches.
Adopting Indonesian lyrics marks an exciting new chapter ahead of their upcoming debut EP. Former JKT48 member Hasyakyla (Caca) playfully shares the reasoning behind the switch: “Honestly, we just thought it’d be intriguing—a quirky girl band delivering wildly unpredictable music, but in Indonesian!”
Beyond Caca, Mantradhara boasts an impressive lineup of indie scene veterans, including Zashika Ijes (Agnimaya, Eirene, Starlit), Gianna Putri (ex-Syubidupidapap), and Tika Nistia (ex-Living In Misery, STERN). Their eclectic sound—a genre-bending fusion of K-Pop, anime vibes, hip-hop, EDM, 8-bit chiptune, jazz, and heavy metal—was brought to life alongside renowned producers Avedis Mutter (Aftercoma) and Faisaltriant (ex-Danger Ranger, For Revenge).
“Yamien” is now streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, and all major music platforms alongside an official music video. The band is also prepping to hit the stage soon with a setlist packed with brand-new, unreleased tracks.