More about: Oracle Sisters

Paris-based three-piece Oracle Sisters have been an exciting prospect for some time after putting out a string of accomplished EP’s Paris I and II in 2020 and 2021 in the run-up to their debut LP Hydranism released April 7th.  Work on the record began at the tail end of 2020 on the Greek island of Hydra and has been a long time coming. Is it worth the wait? 

The answer is an emphatic yes with the Parisian group delivering a wonderful blend of rock, jazz and baroque, a throwback to genres gone by but with a sense of urgency and freshness to it. The group are in the midst of a tour at present and this record affirms them as a truly exciting, hard-to-pin-down talent.  With influences from Radiohead and Tom Waits to The Clash, they’ve brought a truly eclectic texture to this record and a sense of scale to match. 

‘Tramp Like You’ kicks the record off in a luxurious, almost lounge-like fashion with a slow gorgeous piano intro, gradually bringing other elements into play and our first glimpse at the trio’s harmonies. It’s an epic way to start a debut album at over 5 minutes but never outstays its welcome, a glimpse at the musical variety that is to come across the next 11 tracks. 

"This is not an album you can pin down."

‘Hail Mary’ shifts to a more Indie sound, with some sharp lyricism, it shifts sound in its second half building into an impressive guitar solo. One of the delights of the record is how nothing seems to outstay its welcome as experimentation and the vast range of genres ebb and flow in and out without ever becoming too much or overbearing. This is not an album you can pin down.

‘RBH’ has an infectious groove to it and a delightful, luxurious guitar tone that wonderfully accompanies the trio’s harmonies. This track along with some others on the record recalls some of Vampire Weekend’s earlier work but never in a sense that takes away from the originality of the group. As we move towards warmer, sunnier days RBH will surely fit many a summer playlist. 

‘Hot Summer’ tonally couldn’t be further removed, a slower jazz-oriented track, showing an impressive range and musical knowledge giving off hints of Father John Misty. This track shows the ease with which the group can balance their musical influences to deliver a seamless yet risk-taking record that shows maturity beyond a debut record. 

‘Cigale Song’ is one of the record’s highlights a perfect reflection of what works so well across the board from stunning harmonies to some luscious guitar tones. It captures the group’s musicianship perfectly and the balance of their sound.

‘Peat Fire Morning’ has more of a sombre opening, capturing some of Radiohead’s influence and shades of Trip Hop but still managing to stand on its own.  Ruby On The Run meanwhile is a more energetic track that captures the group’s French roots and jazz influence. 

‘Lunch and Jazz chords’, starts in acapella fashion, slowly bringing in instruments while Modern Love is another off-kilter track that as with much of the LP doesn’t go where you’d expect it to. 

Hydranism is an incredibly impressive debut record that weaves elements of Jazz, Baroque, Indie and Surf Rock harmoniously with each element feeling at home and the sense of a group that has deep musical knowledge. They seemingly feel at ease in each of the styles they are incorporating, and the record never goes quite how fans might expect but it is all the more exciting for it, layered with musical textures and it is a treat to unpeel the layers throughout the course of the 11 tracks. If this is the start of their musical journey, then listeners are in for quite the ride. While the genres and styles aren’t new, the marriage here is anything but boring or predictable, this is a truly exciting record that will only increase the hype around Oracle Sisters.

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More about: Oracle Sisters