In the vibrant heart of Surabaya, Indonesia—often playfully dubbed “Surockboyo” for its pulsating rock scene—a new wave of alternative rock is making waves. Known for its thriving underground music culture, Surabaya has long been a breeding ground for genres like rock, metal, and hardcore. The term “alternative” casts a wide net here, encompassing styles as diverse as indie rock, grunge, shoegaze, Britpop, and inventive blends of these sounds. Amid this eclectic landscape, Firstrate, a dynamic alternative rock band, has emerged as a powerful voice, channeling the complexities of life into their debut full-length album, Passage of Time, released on July 27, 2025. With nine meticulously crafted tracks, the album captures the relentless flow of time and the myriad emotions that define the human experience, wrapped in a fictional narrative that feels deeply personal.
Firstrate, composed of Sholehuddin Muhammad on vocals, Gemilang Surya on guitar and vocals, Asa Secita on bass, Lambang Akbar Ramadhan on guitar, and Alwan Hilal on drums, brings a raw yet polished energy to Passage of Time. Following their 2024 singles “Springtime” and “Give In,” which introduced their introspective sound, this album marks a bold step forward. The title, evoking a “time corridor” in Indonesian, reflects the concept of life as a river—ever-flowing, carrying moments of joy, sorrow, and reflection. Drawing inspiration from bands like The Menzingers, The Gaslight Anthem, Oasis, and Fiddlehead, Firstrate crafts a sound that balances gritty aggression with melodic warmth. The album’s nine songs—“A Brief History of Life,” “Give In,” “Mirror to Myself,” “Springtime,” “A Momentary Life,” “Currents,” “Last Throw,” “Counterclockwise,” and “Aku”—are arranged sequentially, forming a cohesive narrative arc that follows a fictional character named Bagus, whose journey mirrors the band members’ own experiences.
At its core, Passage of Time is a meditation on the inevitability of adult life—its fleeting moments, daily routines, suppressed emotions, and the relentless march of time. “Passage of Time is simply a collection of everyday stories about joy, sadness, and gratitude,” Sholehuddin explains, capturing the album’s essence. The character Bagus serves as a lens for these universal themes, embodying the anxieties and aspirations of young adulthood. “Bagus was influenced by my life as I approached college graduation, wondering what life would lead me to,” Gemilang shares. “But in the end, Bagus found his own answer to his anxiety: to keep moving forward and to view memory as a series of events over time.” This narrative thread weaves through the album, transforming personal reflections into a relatable story of resilience and self-discovery.
The production of Passage of Time showcases Firstrate’s dedication to their craft. Recorded at Self Recs Studio by drummer Alwan Hilal, who also mixed and mastered all tracks except “Springtime” (handled by Satriyo Utomo at Griffin Music Studio), the album boasts a dynamic yet accessible sound. The lyrics, primarily penned by Gemilang with contributions from Sholehuddin and Lambang Akbar, are introspective and heartfelt, while the music—composed collaboratively by the entire band—blends raw energy with melodic finesse. Released under Haum Entertainment, the album is available on various streaming platforms, with physical releases in the form of cassettes and merchandise adding a tactile dimension to the experience. This tangible connection to their audience reflects Firstrate’s commitment to building a community around their music.
The album has already garnered praise from Surabaya’s music scene, with Bimantara J. Lestarijono, lead singer of local band Timeless, offering a glowing endorsement. “A call from the East echoes once more through the raw and relentless energy of Firstrate,” he says. “With each release, the band continues to evolve, growing more refined musically while sharpening the depth of their message.” He highlights the album’s dynamic sound and introspective storytelling, noting influences ranging from the gritty aesthetics of hardcore icons like Pat Flynn to the anthemic charm of Oasis. “This isn’t just hardcore—this is hardcore with heart, grit, and soul,” Bimantara adds, describing the album as a collision of aggression and melody that captures the spirit of a restless generation.
Firstrate’s ambitions extend beyond the studio. Following the release of Passage of Time, the band plans to expand their reach through networking and touring across various regions, bringing their music to new audiences. Their journey is a testament to Surabaya’s enduring legacy as a rock city, where innovation and emotion converge to create something truly special. With Passage of Time, Firstrate invites listeners to navigate the twists and turns of life alongside Bagus, embracing the beauty and chaos of the everyday. This debut album is more than a collection of songs—it’s a heartfelt affirmation of resilience, gratitude, and the enduring power of music to make sense of time’s unyielding flow.
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