Ophelia - Black Box Memories

  by Nicky Crewe

published: 1 / 3 / 2018

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Review

Ophelia are Sheffield-based musician Sam Taylor and American musician and actress Rebecca van Cleave. They have created a distinctive sound and defy any assumptions of an acoustic singer songwriter duo you may have. Both had their own musical careers before they met, romantically on a tour of the States. They are an international collaboration, and their personal chemistry gives something extra to the mix. There is a both a delicacy and a strength in their songwriting, vocals and arrangements which gives them their own voice. At the same time they are taking inspiration and creating connections with a wealth of other favourite transatlantic collaborations. Fleetwood Mac and Tom Petty’s work are two of the most obvious. The musicians they choose to work with, the studios and engineers are all part of the success of this album. The production and arrangements really showcase their songwriting and performing talents. Greg Havers (Manics and Super Furry Animals), David Glover (Slow Club) and Eamonn McLoughlin are part of this mix. The album includes four tracks from their debut EP, released in 2017. It’s great to hear them again and good to have them as part of the bigger picture. The perfect pop sound of 'A Little Too Late' and the psychedelic 'I Can’t Dream About You Anymore' are stunning. 'Let Love Ride In' is a great opening track, featuring Sam’s vocals. It’s become a real favourite. The title track 'Black Box Memories' is a story song, Rebecca’s voice leading you into a mystery. 'I Can See Your Heart' rocks, with its fiddle and harmonica parts. There’s a wonderful 60's feel to 'Fading' and 'I Just Want to let You Know'. Looking back to a musical past to create something contemporary is also part of the story of 'The Artist'. Sam and Rebecca were visiting her parents’ home in a snowstorm. Her father Chris Van Cleave was a musician and member of a band called Meadow. Laura Branigan ('Gloria', 'The Power of Love') was their vocalist and he wrote and recorded 'The Artist' with her back in the 70s. Rebecca sings it for this album and the otherworldly instrumentation makes it a very special recording. Ophelia have toured extensively in the states and Europe, building their partnership as performers and writers. Their music and sound takes us somewhere else with them. It’s nostalgic, expansive and above all distinctive. May they have the success they deserve with this album.

Track Listing:-

1 Let Love Ride In
2 From the Ashes
3 Bittersweet
4 The Artist
5 If You Could Read My Mind
6 A Little Too Late
7 I Can't Dream About You Anymore
8 Blackbox Memories
9 Whip of the Wheel
10 I Can See Your Heart
11 Underneath the Pines
12 Fading
13 I Just Want to Let You Know

Band Links:-

https://en-gb.facebook.com/OpheliaMusi
http://opheliamusicofficial.com/
https://twitter.com/OpheliaMusic
https://www.instagram.com/opheliamusic
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBxwG