Introducing: The OtherSide Orchestra

The band on everyone’s lips these days is a little ensemble called The OtherSide Orchestra. Actually, “little” is an understatement. Consisting of members Wan, Izwin, Haizal, Rasheed, Angah, Azan, Shah and honorary members Rifal, Batak, Faiz and Izzat, there’s definitely strength in numbers as far as OtherSide is concerned.

With such a large group, one is inclined to think their live performances would be impossible to watch. But therein lies the band’s appeal. While Wan, Izwin, Haizal, Rasheed, Angah, Azan and Shah work it on stage, Rifal provides special lighting effects to complement their music. Batak, Faiz and Izzat are in charge of sound, creating and controlling vocal effects. Suffice to say, watching this band live is unlike any other in the scene. “There are many of us in the band, and we have all kinds of sounds – sort of like an orchestra,” explains Izwin about their band dynamics. “But we’re a different kind of orchestra, the ‘other’ kind. So the [band’s] name just made sense.”

With an album entitled Electromancetacy out, the band has been gigging non-stop and getting a lot of attention along the way. For a band that has only been at it for a year, being touted as an “It” band is definitely flattering. Izwin says, “We didn’t expect it because it happened so fast. But the scene is growing and people are curious to check out new bands. Besides it helps that we sound different and have so many people on stage.” Check out www.myspace.com/theothersideorchestra for a list of places where their debut album is available.

Text Sarah Chan Photo Shermen Mukhtar

Published in Issue #112