The band formed in 2001 with five members, but in 2003 became a trio. The band's name at first was Hush, then Superego. They finally chose the name Efek Rumah Kaca after the release of their first album in 2007.
They have said that music is their lives; what has happened in their lives is reflected in their music. They also have been described as a pop band with social and political messages in their lyrics. Their music is influenced by variety of music genres, including swing, jazz, rock, and a cappella.
In 2007, they released Efek Rumah Kaca and the album sold more than 5,000 copies. Two singles of this album are "Di Udara" (English: On Air) which tells the death of Munir Said Thalib and "Cinta Melulu" (English: Always Love) as a criticism of the increasing prevalence of insipid love songs in Indonesia.
In 2008, they released their second album Kamar Gelap (English: Dark Room). Among the tracks from this album are "Jangan Bakar Buku" (English: Don't Burn Books), "Kenakalan Remaja di Era Informatika" (English: Teenage Mischief in the Information Era) and "Mosi Tidak Percaya" (English: Motion of Distrust).
They will release their third album in September 2011; they have said that it will not be a "friendly" album.
In May 2010, they founded a label, Jangan Marah Records (English: Don't Be Angry Records), hoping to accommodate creative bands that are not accepted by major labels.
Sebelah Mata
Efek Rumah Kaca Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Bercak adalah sebuah warna warna mempesona
Membaur dengan suara dibawanya kegetiran
Begitu asing terdengar
Sebelah mataku yang mempelajari
Gelombang kan mengisi seluruh ruang tubuhku
Terbentuk dari sel akut
Tapi sebelah mataku yang lain menyadari
Gelap adalah teman setia
Dari waktu waktu yang hilang
The lyrics of Sebelah Mata by Efek Rumah Kaca implore listeners to understand the paradoxical nature of life. The song delves into the complexities of human perception and the dichotomies that exist within one's worldview. The opening lines, "Sebelah mataku yang mampu melihat, Bercak adalah sebuah warna warna mempesona," invites a sense of curiosity and mystery. The singer explains that with one eye, they can see beauty in the midst of chaos. The world is full of colors, textures, and shapes that are wondrous to behold, even in times of sorrow and despair.
In the following verse, the song discusses the intricacies of science and its relationship with the human body. "Gelombang kan mengisi seluruh ruang tubuhku, Terbentuk dari sel akut, Dan diabetes adalah sebuah proses yang alami." This verse explores the origin and effects of diabetes, a disease that affects millions of people worldwide. The language used here suggests that understanding science can help us understand ourselves better, but it is a process that requires attention to detail.
The final verse of the song departs from the previous themes and highlights the importance of embracing the dark side of life. "Tapi sebelah mataku yang lain menyadari, Gelap adalah teman setia, Dari waktu waktu yang hilang." The darkness referred to in this verse can be interpreted as a metaphor for the unpleasant aspects of human behavior or simply the unknown. The song encourages listeners to appreciate the balance between light and dark in life, as one cannot exist without the other.
Line by Line Meaning
Sebelah mataku yang mampu melihat
My one eye sees
Bercak adalah sebuah warna warna mempesona
Spots are fascinating colors
Membaur dengan suara dibawanya kegetiran
Blending with sounds it carries misery
Begitu asing terdengar
Sounds so strange
Sebelah mataku yang mempelajari
My other eye that studies
Gelombang kan mengisi seluruh ruang tubuhku
Waves can fill my whole body
Terbentuk dari sel akut
Formed from acute cells
Dan diabetes adalah sebuah proses yang alami
And diabetes is a natural process
Tapi sebelah mataku yang lain menyadari
But my other eye realizes
Gelap adalah teman setia
That darkness is a faithful friend
Dari waktu waktu yang hilang
From lost moments
Contributed by Julia L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.