What does The Ophelias sound like?

Artistic indie rockers exploring their darker and moodier side.

The review of ‘Ribbon’ by The Ophelias

Often bands or artists seem to get lighter and airier the longer they are together but The Opherlias are delightfully bucking that trend. Following on from their 2021 album ‘Crocus’ which hinted at some of the darker tones ahead, ‘Ribbon’ is the heaviest and moodiest release from the quartet to date. It also showcases some of the best music The Ophelias have to offer so far. It’s lovely when bands gel in the darkness.

The opening two tracks of the EP are the heavier and more brutal tracks. The song cycle appears to follow a flashpoint, disagreement and then acceptance or removal of yourself from a bad situation. This takes place over a tight 5 song arc where no two songs sound the same. We kick off with ‘Black Ribbon’ and its wall of frazzled guitars that surge into action over cymbal slams and drum rumbles of pain. It is caustic and angry as the electric guitar solos purposely grate against the listener whilst Spencer Peppet’s voice is almost drowned out in the swamp of rock. The violin, a band trademark, is bleeding out in the mix too but that instrument features more prominently in ‘Soft and Tame’ which is anything but. This song builds up into a defiant declaration of “I need to stay the fuck away”, likening the situation to a tornado warning. The symphonic and electric rock grandeur it holds makes it one of the most satisfying and cathartic songs I’ve heard in 2024.

From there we move into the acoustic-led ‘Upper Hand’. This thoughtful but sour-tasting piece is underscored with violin and distant guitar wails giving it a bite that an otherwise acoustic piece wouldn’t have. Sanguine, Spencer’s tender vocal delivery makes it soar before the chamber-pop-rock of ‘Dust’ tumbles in. I say tumble because the drum beat has a purpose tom drum fumble – like we’re knocking over furniture upon storm out of a situation. The layered violin arrangement gives the track a mild country vibe too. ‘Rind’ closes the EP out in tender muddy fashion. There is something very Alanis-Morissette-does-a-dreamy-ballad about it that I can’t quite put my finger on. It’s a beautiful track that showcases moody tones with gentle chamber pop wings. Sometimes the softest cuts are the deepest and that’s the case here.

With ‘Ribbon’ I really enjoyed The Ophelias stepping outside of their previous boundaries. Hearing them go full rockband for the opening tracks was sublime and I hope they explore this more in future. That said, their lighter side also sounds stronger and more full-bodied too. It’s like the band has settled into their skin and has the confidence to explore more uncomfortable sounds. Instead of letting the punches slip underneath pretty melodies, now the tonality matches the lyrical intent. A great EP.

Recommended track: Soft and Tame

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