The last time I reviewed an Ophelias record was a few years ago. I sort of lost track of the band, but their new Julien Baker-produced record, Spring Grove drew me back in.
The languid "Open Sky" is one of a few songs here that feels like an updating of the Suzanne Vega template for a new generation. The harder "Salome" is far better. It's not that the other material isn't fine, it's just that this one, since it has real bite to it, is more compelling. Elsewehre, "Parade" delivers a nice approximation of Aimee Mann, with a mid-tempo, rambling pace that is sort of pleasant. "Crow", my favorite cut here, works up a little more energy than other numbers, enough that the rush of the music nearly achieves real lift-off for the band.
The music of The Ophelias isn't going to a start a revolution, you know? It's music that is heartfelt, but not cloying. There's emotion here, and when mixed with a measured approach a listener gets a few fairly pleasing songs. The presence of Julien Baker on production duties and backing vocals is also enough reason to at least spend some time with this.
Spring Grove by The Ophelias is out now via Get Better Records.
[Photo: Frances Weber]