Batu, East Java

Batu. East Java. Finally met the infamous Anca Hcs Manimau! He lives on the road. The endless tour. D.I.Y warrior. 2 hours on an intense bus, and a short motorbike ride, leaves you here. Beautiful as hell.

We head to a small cafe. In the back, a small recording, practice, and gig room. You can cram about 10 people in there, and the rest watch from the entrance. Every show here has like a dozen bands on the bill. Hardcore, grindcore, punk. 3 song sets. By the time you get your bearings, it's over. That's insane to me, but it makes sense. Cram in as much as you can, and make for a very communal experience. 3 sets with female vocalists, a nice surprise considering I was told there wouldn't be much of that here.

Thanks, Anca.