As the phoenix rises, so does Otherwise. Living up to the literal definition of their band name, meaning “other than supposed,” they transcend structured genres. From emotional wails and screams, to creative guitar riffs and heartfelt lyrics, Otherwise covers it all. If one were to attempt to pin down their style, they could be considered to be along the lines of late-’90s to early’00s rock, with a band like Creed being an example of an analog. However, even this limits a proper description. Otherwise is simply awesome.
Otherwise starts it off with a small teaser labeled simply “Iâ€. A few noises and musical notes allow it to lead the listener into the opening song, “Die For You.†A song dedicated to all of those loving couples whose connection to each other is in blood and soul, it speaks to anyone who is truly in love with a significant other. It’s the most badass wedding song ever.
And that’s just an appetizer.
After hitting an interlude in “IIâ€, the album hits another big highlight in “Soldiers,†a song that speaks to any one in the military who is currently or who has been on a deployment, far from home. It’s a song of brotherhood and unity. Inseparable, they are fighting men, brothers-in-arms who refuse to go quietly in the night. This song is destined to be a battlefield anthem for the soldiers and Marines in the field.
After pulling us into another lull with the final intermission “III,†the album ends it on a melodic high note with “Heaven.†With otherworldly supporting vocals, the thematics of this tune are depressingly beautiful. Just as the opening song is one of dedicated love in youth, the closer is a tale of dedication to one’s soulmate beyond life. It almost harkens back to classic 80s love ballads, but with a ’90s lemon twist.
This band is as multifaceted as a diamond ring and just as beautiful. With a balanced sound, the sky is the limit.
Leave a Reply