It was at L’Escargot in Soho that I saw Ophelia play for the second time. A memorable duo, Ophelia has been filed in my memory from a gig last summer at The Seabright Arms. Comprised of the lovely Samuel Taylor and Rebecca Van Cleave, Ophelia melted seamlessly into the rustic grandeur of L’Escargot.
I managed to sneak a post-gig interview with them, which will be linked to TalentBanq’s YouTube shortly (so stay tuned)!
For now, though, I’ll hit you with the facts. Ophelia released their most recent album, Blackbox Memories, on January 26th. Their success was replicated when they charmed those at their album launch on the 30th January at The Slaughtered Lamb.
Ophelia recorded Blackbox Memories in London, Sheffield, LA , Nashville – even in the depths of Wales (setwyr jet*)! As Sam said, “it was literally all over the place”. Well, being “all over the place” seems to work perfectly for you, Ophelia. Compared to their older songs, you can really hear the nomadic twists and turns throughout the album – maybe reflecting how it was recorded?
Tracks like Let Your Love Ride In and Whip of the Wheel are examples of the various songs you can whack on and tune out to, for hours. The chorus of Let Your Love Ride In echoes a little essence of Fleetwood Mac. What do you think?
If You Could Read My Mind has a bit of a lazy, eerie percussion to it. It certainly gets the thoughts flooding. Have a listen. Their most popular song, A Little Too Late, is undoubtedly catchy. Love the violin solo.
All in all, their live presence at L’Escargot was just as captivating as listening to Blackbox Memories. Everyone had their ears stolen by their transcending tones, harmonies, but most importantly the onstage chemistry between the two artists.
Big up Ophelia. Keep doing what you do best.
Anyway, you can all congratulate them, ‘cos they’re getting bloody MARRIED! Congrats to Sam and Rebecca on your engagement, keep on making some beautiful music.
*excuse my terrible Welsh.