#BreakingNews : SWEET PEARL Releases Debut EP The Black Magic Woman as a Statement of Growth

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Semarang-based rock unit Sweet Pearl has closed out 2024 with the release of their debut EP, The Black Magic Woman, on December 20, 2024. The 6-track EP marks a continuation of their journey as a self-proclaimed “non-machoist-non-masculine rock band.”

Following their January 2024 single “Bad Night,” Sweet Pearl—comprising Muhammad Syahrul Munir (vocals), Rakha Unfrel Iqbal Hibatullah (guitar), Gilbert Christady (drums), Bagas Humanabiyu (guitar), and Samuel Hendry Agusta Wawolangi (bass)—maintains a consistent theme: a candid confession of toxic masculinity that has deeply affected them. With The Black Magic Woman, these confessions are delivered even more straightforwardly.

The EP takes listeners on a narrative journey, blending diary-like lyricism with the evolution of a “macho rocker” mindset. From the chaotic celebration of rock 'n' roll life in “Blaze Blues,” to bold declarations of independence from women in “Sorcerer” and “Train,” the album shifts to moments of vulnerability and repentance in “Sinister” and “Bad Night.”

“We want to show that men can cry, feel sadness, and be human. No matter how strong or macho we seem, we still need women. After all, we came from women,” shared vocalist Munir.

The title The Black Magic Woman pays homage to Santana and Fleetwood Mac, favorite bands of the five young musicians.

Sweet Pearl’s signature lies in their duality. They embrace rock while allowing themselves to cry. They uphold the rebellious spirit of a rocker while maintaining unggah-ungguh (Javanese politeness). Musically, they fuse the raw power of 70s rock à la Led Zeppelin with flamboyant and melancholic touches, embodied in Munir’s newly refined vocal style that appeals to a wide range of listeners across age, gender, and social backgrounds.

“This EP is essentially our experiment: combining modern sounds with our modest skills. It’s still rock at its core, but we’ve explored it in our own way. Rock 'n' roll must live on. As Komunal said, ‘Rock 'n' roll is dead; we are among those who save it,’” concluded guitarist Unfrell.

The Black Magic Woman is available on all digital streaming platforms as of December 20, 2024.

About Sweet Pearl
Founded in 2023, Sweet Pearl is a new-generation rock unit from Semarang that identifies as a “non-machoist-non-masculine rock band.” The band—consisting of Muhammad Syahrul Munir (vocals), Rakha Unfrel Iqbal Hibatullah (guitar), Gilbert Christady (drums), Bagas Humanabiyu (guitar), and Samuel Hendry Agusta Wawolangi (bass)—shares a deep-rooted love for 70s rock in the vein of Led Zeppelin.

In their evolution, Sweet Pearl has blended 70s rock with modern influences, drawing inspiration from bands like Them Crooked Vultures. They released their debut single “Bad Night” in January 2024 and followed it up with their 6-track EP The Black Magic Woman in December 2024.

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