Over a decade into their journey in Jakarta’s independent music scene, Seaside returns with a full-length work that reflects their musical and emotional maturity. Their sophomore album, Same Old/Same New, released by HFMF Records, features 15 tracks that chronicle the band’s long evolution — from the dark, heavy textures of classic shoegaze to brighter moments filled with optimism.

For fans of local dreampop, indiepop, and shoegaze, Seaside is hardly a new name. Since their debut Undone in 2013, the band has become synonymous with a distinct sound: atmospheric, rich in guitar layers, and melodies that touch the most fragile corners of the listener’s heart. Same Old/Same New stands as a testament to that consistency, while also showing a willingness to open up to warmer, lighter tones — without ever losing their identity.

Rather than built around a singular concept, the album serves as a compilation of songs that have been simmering in their creative kitchen for the past few years, combined with new material born out of the comings and goings of various band members. The result is an emotional journey that feels deeply human: stagnation, denial, doubt, despair, growth — and ultimately, acceptance.

From the opening instrumental track Traveling to South, the album gently draws listeners into Seaside’s hazy, fog-laden world. Lalu? questions the courage to show up in the midst of pain; Icarus captures ambition and collapse; Pandemonia lets panic and madness speak freely; and finally, Star-crossed Lovers closes the album on a bittersweet yet lighter note, leaving just enough room for a smile amid the sorrow.

Musically, Same Old/Same New feels more balanced than its predecessor. There’s a refined exploration of tempo dynamics, more subtle guitar layering, and vocals that are more confidently brought to the forefront. Even in its darkest moments, the album lets in a quiet warmth that gently seeps through.

In today’s Indonesian independent music landscape — largely dominated by folk-tinged pop and alternative rock centered around self-healing themes — Seaside remains distinctive. They bring us back to the roots of shoegaze, indiepop, and dreampop, but with a more personal and resonant sensibility.