The Ophelias (USA-OH)
Crocus


3.5
great

Review

by Sunnyvale STAFF
September 25th, 2021 | 16 replies


Release Date: 2021 | Tracklist

Review Summary: April showers bring May flowers

My first experience with the Cincinnati, Ohio-based band The Ophelias was their 2018 effort Almost . Ultimately, my impression of that album rendered the title appropriate, with the band clearly demonstrating a strong sound and ample talent, but nonetheless falling a bit short in creating a cohesive and consistent listen. Crocus , as the follow-up full length, sees the band remedy these issues, even as it retains some flaws. The end result is an album which will likely be enjoyable to most listeners with any interest in modern indie music.

Perhaps the easiest way to characterize the album’s sound and atmosphere is to note that Crocus very much takes after its spring-flowering namesake. The songs here, mostly brief in duration, adhere to a folk-leaning indie pop sound, often floating effervescently upon dreamy layers of strings. The overwhelming sense while listening is to evoke the associations of the vernal season: new shoots sprouting up, warmer weather returning, and a general psychological shift as one shakes off a long cold winter. There’s definitely some irony in this as the record’s late September release date sees the band’s home country (and most of their fans) sliding into the colder days of autumn, but given the state of the world there’s no doubt that some hopeful-sounding tunes won’t suffer from a lack of demand.

As is often the case with music, the sunny and bright vibes of the instrumentation here don’t always carry over to the lyrics. The overriding theme of the lyrics on Crocus are the struggle to get over a crushing breakup, frequently mixing resolution, sadness, and anger. Ultimately, this feels like a “moving on” record, even as it dabbles in backwards-looking moments. There are also some more or less psychedelic meanderings (as evidenced on highlight track “Spirit Sent”) and a fair share of spiritual and religious references, a la tracks entitled “Biblical Names” and “Becoming A Nun”.

Crocus is an album which is well-executed on all fronts, even as none of the tracks here remotely approach classic status. As a steady and reliable listen ensconced in an approachable cocktail of dreamy indie pop infused with folk and an occasional hint of punk, I expect this record to significantly raise The Ophelias’ profile (and deservedly so). A feature from Julien Baker on one of the record’s stronger offerings, “Neil Young On High”, should only further help their cause. Crocus may not blow you away, but it is a competent set of emotionally-resonant tunes which, in the right mood, might be even more. If nothing else, I look forward to breaking this album out when the sun sneaks through the clouds and the snow begins to melt in March 2022.



Recent reviews by this author
Ben Quad EphemeraVarious Artists American Football (Covers)
Half Waif See You at the MaypoleWild Pink Dulling the Horns
Trace Mountains Into the Burning BlueThe Heist Revenge For Losers Craving Love
user ratings (7)
3.5
great

Comments:Add a Comment 
Sunnyvale
Staff Reviewer
September 25th 2021


6175 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

Quite enjoyable little album, wanted to give this some exposure

Sowing
Moderator
September 25th 2021


44509 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

Glad this got covered, I didn't expect it to. I was going to review it but ended up not really having much time.

This is spot-on; it's pretty enjoyable/ephemeral but isn't by any means essential.

Digging: Halsey - The Great Impersonator

WatchItExplode
September 25th 2021


10516 Comments


Basically. I enjoyed it as a casual listen but not much here to draw me back

Sunnyvale
Staff Reviewer
September 25th 2021


6175 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

Cheers guys! That seems to be the consensus, I'm sure I'll come back to this periodically when I want something light, but it's definitely a mood listen

WatchItExplode
September 25th 2021


10516 Comments


Cheers back at you. Those review numbers are starting to get impressive.

Sunnyvale
Staff Reviewer
September 25th 2021


6175 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

@WatchItExplode, I have been on a bit of a roll this year. Been enjoying writing a lot and had some time for it as well.

BlushfulHippocrene
Staff Reviewer
September 26th 2021


4053 Comments


Ooo, did not know this was out. I liked Neil Young on High quite a bit. Really nice review; it's spring where I am (still quite chilly, but the sun's coming out more often), so your descriptions make this sound ideal. Listening now.

Sunnyvale
Staff Reviewer
September 26th 2021


6175 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

Thanks Blush! Yeah, this should hit the spot in your location. I suspect with your taste you'll enjoy this quite a bit, but let us know!

JesperL
Staff Reviewer
September 26th 2021


5664 Comments

Album Rating: 3.0

imma cry i would do anything for spring rn

either way this seems p lovely, will check!!

Sunnyvale
Staff Reviewer
September 26th 2021


6175 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

Cheers Jesper, this might be your thing. Sorry to provoke an existential crisis!



Also, I'm about to check your dig, looks like it might be awesome

Brabiz
September 26th 2021


2316 Comments


“They describe their sound as a mixture of art rock, marxist rock, mermaid rock, and nature punk.“ I’m sorry, what?

Sunnyvale
Staff Reviewer
September 26th 2021


6175 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

Haha, yeah, I raised my eyebrows reading that as well. At least their recent stuff is pretty much indie pop/folk with some other influences here and there, but that description is a little more innovative.

JesperL
Staff Reviewer
September 26th 2021


5664 Comments

Album Rating: 3.0

yeah review rly nails it, this is v vibey but nothing special

and yes check the ritual seaz! might give it a rev, it's great ethereal wave inspired dremgaze

Sunnyvale
Staff Reviewer
September 26th 2021


6175 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

Thanks Jesper!



Just gave The Ritual Sea a first spin and liked what I heard, you definitely should review it!

madrigal30
September 27th 2021


1592 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

these guys are fantastic, i just caught them live at the Roboto in Pittsburgh it was so sick

BlushfulHippocrene
Staff Reviewer
September 29th 2021


4053 Comments


I really like this band, they're real charming. Waiting for the right moment for this to hit, though, going in one ear and out the other.



You have to be logged in to post a comment. Login | Create a Profile





STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS // CONTACT US

Bands: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z


Site Copyright 2005-2023 Sputnikmusic.com
All Album Reviews Displayed With Permission of Authors | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy