Reflecting on loneliness in modern society

Lyrically, it signifies a change in Loque’s writing style, representing the post-Berklee era.

He said that the song was a story that depicted the concrete jungle as a reflection of Malaysia’s transition into the era of globalisation and modernisation.

“It revolves around the feelings of modern society where an individual can still feel loneliness and darkness even while standing in a crowd.”

Loque, whose real name is Khairil Ridzwan Anwar, has in recent years been focusing on fusing traditional gamelan music and modern rock.

In 2021, he and his band came up with the innovative album ‘Lagu Perang (Bunyian Gamelan Melayu Di Abad Ke 21)’, and the title track was derived from a traditional joget gamelan song that Orkes Gamelan Pahang Di Raja (Royal Pahang Gamelan Orchestra) used as an opening number.

As the leader of independent rock band Butterfingers, Loque recently re-released their first Hari Raya song, ‘Hari Raya Di Kuala Lumpur’, which talks about his Raya experiences as a “KL boy”.

The song was Butterfingers’ first Malay song which made its debut 20 years ago.

In March, Loque relaunched his 2016 song, ‘Cinta Yang Paling Sempurna’ which was given a fresh and contemporary interpretation by musician Kimal of Magasatwa.

‘Halimunan Abad Ke-21’ is available on all major music streaming platforms.