Riar's Reviews > Setelah Boombox Usai Menyalak

Homicide was my high school hero. I read most of Herry Sutresna's writing when it were printed on zines. When the first time I heard there will be a book written by Sutresna, I thought that it will be a book I anticipated the most. However, I expected too much and little disappointed when I found that the book is a collection of his writings span from the late 90's to recent years. I craved for a new stuff, but anyway, a music related writing pieces by Sutresna is worth to collect.

His old essay from 99 about the intersection between Sartre and Downset is so emotional—and well written. This is a critic to the Marxist orthodox approach on history and deterministic. I found this essay extremely important to read by everyone that claimed themselves left-wingers. Through this piece I realised that most of radical left is anti self-criticism. Sutresna argues that absurdism in life and philosophy is important. What will happened in our life is always hard to predict. Sutresna views on left dogmatism is totally inspiring.

Most of essays in this book are really personal. A memoir to his father is quite touching, as well his obituary for Andry Moch—a very well known visual artist in Bandung. But there is one essay that moved me when I read it. It was his personal story on his journey to watch Goodspeed You! Black Emperor concert in Malaysia. This piece is very moving. His writing style is subtly personal, feels like reading a private journal. Sutresna's passion on music—especially hip hop—is crystal clearly visible in this book. Although I might not share the same level passion on hip hop with Sutresna, his passion is contagious.

Anyway, this is worth to read for everyone who might have already familiar with Herry Sutresna personality—not sure if it will 'enjoyable' for anyone who's not familiar with Sutresna's activities.