More about: The Orielles

Halifax’s finest, The Orielles, returned to their spiritual home of Hebden Bridge Trades Club for a set dominated by indie-funk anthems and psychedelic sounds last night (5 December).

Opening with a transfixing rendition of ‘Come Down On Jupiter’, The Orielles straight away epitomise the celestial sound that permeates the majority of the set: dreamy guitar tones and soulful vocal deliveries characterise the opener. Following on from this is the equally dreamy ‘Rapid I’, its lounge-esque tones echoing around the Trades Club and urging viewers to dance from the comfort of their living rooms. 

‘Let Your Dogtooth Grow’ comes with an unbridled energy; sharp and quick whilst still maintaining that signature Orielles groove. The sound of Henry Carlyle Wade’s heavenly riffs fill the space immaculately and remove any sense of awkwardness brought about by the lack of fans in the venue. As an outfit, The Orielles have not lost a step in the gig-going limbo of our COVID world. This was on clear display during first-half closer ‘The Sound of Liminal Spaces’. The effortless rhythmic timings of both Sid and Esme Hand-Halford are clear to see as they drive the groove of the set with unprecedented force.

Opening the second half is ‘7th Dynamic Goo’, its unashamedly pop riffs kicking off the set with a groove-based tone. ‘Bobbi’s Second World’ and ‘Space Samba’ showcase the strengths of the Orielles' latest album Disco Volador: the call and responsemof the former’s verses provide an element of crowd participation that’s difficult to achieve in the digital gig sphere. Closing the set is the behemoth that is ‘Sugar Tastes Like Salt’: the stand-out track of the night. From its crunchy, slightly haunting verses, to the funk that oozes from its choruses and bridges, it's truly a spectacular rendition and a fitting way to close out the livestream.

The Orielles display a performance fitting of their return to Hebden Bridge tonight. Packed with all the charm, talent and grooves we’ve come to expect from the group, they seem undeterred by the lack of crowd and play their hearts out. Once true gigs are back The Orielles are going to be a true tour de force once again.

More about: The Orielles