OfeliaDorme  - EP - Sometimes it's better to wait

It’s an interesting fact of music that bigger does not necessarily equal better; brooding minimalism and sparse soundscapes can frequently create as much of an impact as outpourings of bombastic virtuosity or extremity. Complementing every ‘21st century Breakdown’ or ‘Blood Mountain are a host of less outspoken and grandiose offerings, and ‘Sometimes it’s better to wait,’ the debut EP from Bologna based band OfeliaDorme slots neatly into this category.

Over these six tracks OD harness the understated power of acoustic instrumentation and whispery, ethereal vocals to create something more than the sum of their parts, vocalist Francesca Bono ranging from plaintive, haunting laments to defiant but brittle melodies over the EPs length. A dark streak undercuts second track ‘new pieces of science,’ summoning an unsettling atmosphere, while elsewhere echoes of the melancholic ‘real indie’ of the 90s Manchester scene shine through in more up-tempo moments. Incorporating subtle electronic elements and additional instrumental embellishments throughout, the Italian quartet repeatedly threaten to spill over into more substantial refrains before retreating back into a shroud of delicacy, hinting at the possible evolution of their sound in the future.

It must be said that OD’s music will not appeal to all readers, the mysterious lyricism and wistful tone making this an acquired taste, but for those in need of relief from the heavier end of the rock spectrum and willing to explore different styles, this band provide an interesting alternative.