Normunds Pauniņš, “Otra Puse” and an album with an almost debut title “Sākums” – what a beginning, this group is as old as the Earth?! However, if you look at it factually, this is a new album for the band after an 11-year hiatus, so it’s really almost the beginning!
The previous studio album of the group “Otra Puse” “Draw me” dates back to 2013, but the compilations “Remixes 1996 – 2016” (2016) and “Best songs. Sheet music. Words” (2017), which, as you can easily guess, had nothing to do with the novelties. On the other hand, the new album “Otras Puses” includes ten new compositions that were created in different periods of time, therefore the previously released singles “Es krītu Tev”, “Alejas”, “Sirdsbalss” as well as the new album’s herald “Sāp” also appear here. .
Group leader Normunds Pauniņš states that the new disc can rather be classified as a compilation of individual songs, in which each track has its own story. “It’s not an album that leads from point A to point B. Rather, it’s like a mosaic in which each song has its own color and place, but in the end all of them form one definite composition consisting of ten completely different works,” Pauniņš explains.
The range of engaged music producers has also changed. Along with the long-time member of the group and the author of several hits of the ensemble, Ivars Makstnieks, the guitarist of “Otras Puses” and many other projects, Jānis Čubars, producer Andy Bassland (he is also Andris Lazdāns) and musician Jānis Narbuts have put their skills in arranging the songs. It should be noted that Pauniņš also entrusted the writing of lyrics and even melodies to several industry colleagues. Namely, among the authors such names as Oskars Deigelis, Roberts Gobziņš, Līga Robežniece, Ainars Mielavs and Aigars Krēsla, as well as the previously mentioned Čubars and Lazdāns, are noticeable.
It must be admitted that no experimental debuts have been expected from “Otra Pusa” for a long time, the listeners don’t like them either (Pauniņas’ group is accepted as it is), and “Sākums” is also without surprises. It is true that the wide group of authors has made minor corrections in the sound of “Otras Puses”, at least in some songs. From this point of view, the slightly electronic “Rīt lēnām lis” is quite interesting (as well as the moodier “Sunday morning”), the same applies to the nice radio single “Sāp”. “Alejas” is also an elegant song, which is a collaboration with the almost full-time singer of “Otras Puses” Antras Stafeckas, but in general the album “Sākums” is a ridge with eerily sweet pieces and Pauniņas’ voice as the trademark of “Otras Puses”. Which was to be expected.
It should also be added that in honor of the release of the new album, the group went on a concert tour to please their listeners both with new compositions and with pieces that have now become classics, such as “After the rain”, “Vēstules”, “Eskatis”, “Draw me ” etc. Dates and places of the next concerts – November 22, Đadaži Cultural Center and December 14, Krustpils Cultural Center.
Welcome Back, Otras Puses! A Cunning Comeback with “Sākums”
So, let’s talk about Normunds Pauniņš and his band, “Otra Puse.” They’re back with an album titled “Sākums,” which translates to “Start.” Yes, you heard right, after an eleven-year gap that felt like we were waiting for the next season of our favorite show — talk about building anticipation! This group is older than most of my relationships, and just as confusing! But I digress.
Now, don’t be fooled—this isn’t their first rodeo in the musical arena. Their last studio effort, “Draw me,” was released in 2013. Since then, they’ve regaled us with compilations, which is a bit like giving us yesterday’s leftovers and calling it a gourmet meal. “Remixes 1996 – 2016”? It’s like saying, “Hey, remember these hits? Well, here they are, but with more bass and less relevance!” And speaking of relevance, the new album “Sākums” features ten fresh tracks, which, let’s face it, is more new than we thought we’d see after a decade of radio silence!
Group leader Normunds Pauniņš states that the new disc can rather be classified as a compilation of individual songs, in which each track has its own story. “It’s not an album that leads from point A to point B. Rather, it’s like a mosaic in which each song has its own color and place, but in the end all of them form one definite composition consisting of ten completely different works,” Pauniņš explains.
You see, Pauniņš likens the album to a mosaic, which is quite poetic for a guy whose name sounds like it could be a brand of yogurt. Each track is like a colorful tile in a bathroom that you hope won’t clash too much. They didn’t go for the straightforward A to B approach, which is reassuring because that would have probably left us all lost somewhere in the middle of a winding road in the music landscape.
And speaking of winding roads—what’s that? Oh right, a cavalcade of producers has joined the fray, including a long-time member and a guitarist with enough side projects to keep a small city entertained! We have Ivars Makstnieks back, along with newcomers Andy Bassland, Jānis Čubars, and Jānis Narbuts. Imagine a party where the regulars are there, but suddenly there’s a wild card who shows up with a karaoke machine… Oh boy, let the awkwardness begin!
Now, let’s talk about musical experimentation—or lack thereof! Frankly, we didn’t expect any earth-shattering revelations from “Otra Puse,” and thankfully, they’ve decided to keep it cozy. The sweet sound we’ve grown to love—like that mildly irritating yet soothing background noise at a café you frequent—remains intact. Tracks like “Rīt lēnām lis” and “Sāp” promise a few interesting detours on this otherwise well-trodden path.
The album boasts some standout tunes like “Alejas,” a lovely collaboration with Antras Stafeckas, and “Sāp,” which you can bet is destined to dominate the radio waves. You know, the kind of song you hum in the shower… but if you sound like a trapped walrus, just stop! We don’t need any casualties here!
In celebration of their sudden resurgence, the band is hitting the road with concert tours, mixing new tracks with beloved classics like “After the Rain” and “Draw Me.” We’re talking tours that will likely be filled with fans reminiscing about their formative years—good luck explaining those embarrassing teenage moments, folks!
Upcoming gigs include the Đadaži Cultural Center on November 22 and the Krustpils Cultural Center on December 14. Mark your calendars, because you can’t get the same atmosphere from your Spotify playlist that you can from a live performance, however mildly cringe that performance might get.
So, here’s to “Otra Puse,” proving that even after an 11-year coffee break, they can still brew something worth sipping on. You might want to grab a cup, sit back, and dive into “Sākums” because, let’s be honest, it’s almost as good as your espresso machine—but much less likely to burn you if you spill it!
After an impressive eleven-year hiatus, the iconic Latvian band “Otra Puse,” led by Normunds Pauniņš, has embarked on an exciting new chapter with their latest album titled “Sākums.” Dubbed almost as a debut, this project marks a significant moment in the band’s history, which spans as long as the existence of Earth itself!
The last studio album released by “Otra Puse” was “Draw me,” which came out in 2013. Although two compilations followed, namely “Remixes 1996 – 2016” in 2016 and “Best songs. Sheet music. Words” in 2017, they didn’t offer any fresh tracks. In contrast, “Sākums” features ten new compositions that were crafted over various periods. Notably, previously released singles such as “Es krītu Tev,” “Alejas,” and “Sirdsbalss,” alongside the album’s standout track “Sāp,” also make a highly anticipated appearance on this long-awaited record.
Normunds Pauniņš, the group’s visionary leader, describes the new disc as a compilation of individual songs, each possessing a unique narrative. He states, “It’s not an album that leads from point A to point B. Rather, it’s like a mosaic in which each song has its own color and place, but in the end, all of them form one definite composition consisting of ten completely different works.”
The album also showcases a diverse range of music producers. Collaborating alongside longtime member and hit-maker Ivars Makstnieks are guitarist Jānis Čubars, producer Andy Bassland—who is also known as Andris Lazdāns—and musician Jānis Narbuts. Notably, Pauniņš expanded the creative horizon by allowing several industry colleagues to contribute to the writing of lyrics and melodies. Notable contributors include Oskars Deigelis, Roberts Gobziņš, Līga Robežniece, Ainars Mielavs, and Aigars Krēsla, among others.
The album “Sākums” reaffirms that listeners have not been expecting radical experiments from “Otra Puse.” The fans embrace the band for its signature style, and “Sākums” stays true to those expectations. The varied roster of contributing writers has subtly influenced the sound on specific tracks, introducing slight electronic elements in songs like “Rīt lēnām lis” and the moody “Sunday morning.” Additionally, the catchy radio single “Sāp” and the elegant collaboration “Alejas” with near-full-time vocalist Antras Stafeckas enhance the album’s appeal. Overall, “Sākums” serves as a heartfelt collection of sweet melodies, with Pauniņš’s distinctive voice remaining a hallmark of “Otra Puse.” This was, unsurprisingly, exactly what fans anticipated.
To celebrate the release of “Sākums,” “Otra Puse” is embarking on an exhilarating concert tour, delighting fans with both new tracks and beloved classics such as “After the rain,” “Vēstules,” “Eskatis,” and “Draw me.” Upcoming concert dates include November 22 at Đadaži Cultural Center and December 14 at Krustpils Cultural Center.
How does the album “Sākums” balance familiar sounds with new elements to engage both old and new fans?
Olor and place, but all of them form one definite composition consisting of ten completely different works.” This artistic analogy reinforces the idea that “Sākums” is more of a collection of distinct experiences rather than a singular musical journey, allowing each song to shine in its own right.
Pauniņš’s reference to a mosaic is particularly fitting considering the diverse array of contributors involved in the album’s production. The presence of established and new producers, including Ivars Makstnieks, Jānis Čubars, Andy Bassland, and Jānis Narbuts, suggests a rich interplay of different musical influences. While the band has chosen to stay within familiar stylistic boundaries that fans have come to expect, there are subtle twists and variations that add a fresh layer to the music. Notably, tracks like “Rīt lēnām lis” and “Sunday morning” introduce a slightly electronic vibe, giving listeners delightful surprises amidst the band’s signature sound.
While the overall tone of “Sākums” remains sweet and melodic—characteristic of “Otra Puse”—it features a mix of arrangements that allow for exploration within the comfort zone. “Sāp” is positioned as a standout single destined for radio play, embodying the catchy, heartfelt essence that the band is known for. Likewise, “Alejas,” the collaboration with Antras Stafeckas, showcases lyrical depth and musical elegance.
The group’s decision to reignite their concert activities alongside the album’s release is a clever move, allowing them to connect with both old fans and new listeners. The upcoming tour promises to blend new material with classic hits like “After the Rain” and “Vēstules,” fostering a sense of nostalgia—a key element of their appeal. Concert-goers can expect an experience reminiscent of past musical gatherings, with familiar tunes that evoke shared memories.
“Otra Puse” appears to have successfully navigated their return with “Sākums,” a vibrant collection of songs celebrating their musical legacy while also hinting at new horizons. It’s an album that welcomes listeners to enjoy both the familiar and the fresh—a testament to the enduring spirit and creativity of this beloved Latvian band.
