The new record from The Ophelias, Almost, out Friday from Joyful Noise Recordings, is a lovely thing, full of the textures of neo-classical music, as well as a genuinely infectious indie sensibility. The release from the Ohio four-piece caught me by surprise.
From the Suzanne Vega-like coos of "Lover's Creep" and on to the baroque arrangement of "Night Signs", the music of The Ophelias remains the sort of thing that defies very easy description. Sure, "Lunar Rover" purrs with the kind of precision one found on old Jane Siberry recordings, even as the more deliberate "Zero" suggests debts owed to, say, Philip Glass, or even John Adams. Still, this remains indie-rock, even as something like the waltz-like "Moon Like Sour Candy" harks back offerings from those years when artists like the previously-mentioned Vega and Siberry could redefine what alt-rock was capable of.
Almost is a really special record and one which deserves a lot of attention from attentive listeners. Tuneful, and full of rich harmonies, these songs are haunting and oddly fun.
Almost is out on Friday via Joyful Noise Recordings.
More details on The Ophelias via the band's official Facebook page.
[Photo: Katerina Voegtle]