Tropical Desert is the debut album from Indonesian instrumental band BABON, a compelling sonic journey that weaves stories of environmental collapse and societal unrest. Formed by childhood friends Rayi and Wahyudi—later joined by guitarist Rori—the band found its voice through shared experiences in Melbourne’s diverse music scene and involvement in sustainability projects. These influences shaped their approach to instrumental storytelling, culminating in an album that serves as both a stark warning and a heartfelt invitation to reconnect with the natural world. Rori’s expressive guitar work added new emotional depth to their sound, enriching both their live and studio performances. Recorded at the historic Lokananta studio in Solo, Tropical Desert draws from traditional Indonesian genres like keroncong and dangdut, blending them with global influences ranging from Spaghetti Western soundtracks and Latin grooves to Afro-funk and Middle Eastern melodies. The result is a genre-defying blend that feels both timeless and urgent. The album’s only vocal track, “Pesan dari Gurun,” features indie-folk artist Frau, whose soulful performance underscores the album’s themes of loss, hope, and ecological awareness. Through this richly textured debut, BABON crafts a resonant musical experience that speaks to the pressing environmental and social challenges of our time.