Thee Marloes have managed to bottle the exact feeling of the first sip of a cold drink after a long day and poured it directly into ‘Di Hotel Malibu‘. This Surabaya trio, comprised of vocalist Natassya Sianturi, guitarist Sinatrya Dharaka, and drummer Tommy Satwick, returns with a sophomore effort that feels less like a formal studio recording and more like a permanent invitation to the world’s most exclusive, low-stakes rooftop lounge. It’s the kind of music that makes you want to wear linen trousers and sunglasses indoors, even if you’re actually just sitting on your couch eating cereal.
The vibe here is “perpetual happy hour,” channeling a soulful, psychedelic groove that bridges classic Motown and a breezy Indonesian summer. Tracks like “Under the Silver Moon” and “Through the Changes” offer a masterclass in chill, providing the perfect sonic wallpaper for a dimly lit cocktail bar where the bartenders actually know how to use bitters. Sianturi’s vocals glide over the arrangements with an effortless grace that suggests she’s never been stressed a day in her life, making this the ultimate soundtrack for ignoring your emails and focusing on your favorite aperitif.
Ultimately, ‘Di Hotel Malibu‘ is a confident evolution that refuses to take itself too seriously while remaining technically impeccable. Whether they are exploring the “stone cold two-stepper” energy of the opening tracks or getting into the slightly more contemplative mood of “Harap Dan Ragu“, the energy remains consistently positive and impossibly smooth. It is an essential addition to any “vibe-check” playlist, proving that Thee Marloes aren’t just making music; they are curating a specific brand of Indonesian soul that is as refreshing as a poolside mojito. If you are to pre-order your copy of this release, it will ship on or around May 15, 2026, or at least that is what they told me when I pre-ordered my record.
Links of interest:
https://www.instagram.com/theemarloes/
https://theemarloes.bandcamp.com/album/di-hotel-malibu
https://bigcrownrecords.com/artists/thee-marloes/