Fraser Valley based indie-folk artist Oleefia’s first self-titled EP Oleefia dropped on Bandcamp and streaming platforms on Feb. 15. Oleefia’s five-soundtrack list comes in at a little more than twenty minutes of intimate, ethereal folk that at certain points evokes a blend of First Aid Kit and Feist.
“Intro,” a resonant, spacey melody, opens the EP with a slow build, establishing early the mental imagery and soundscapes that continue throughout; soaring violin and dreamy piano drift into the main events of track two and three.
“A Bird’s Grief,” the first of the EP’s two singles, is a sorrowful song about longing. The choral hook is particularly strong, and gives Oleefia’s strong vocals a chance to shine in this solid indie-acoustic piece.
The second single, “Night,” (featuring fellow local artist Quinn Sojo) feels more experimental. Calling back to the strings and dreamy atmosphere of “Intro,” “Night” sounds almost overwhelming at moments, like a stream of memories sailing past. Melodically, “Night” takes more risks, and they ultimately pay off with a single that builds on the pensive atmosphere.
Track four’s “Dust” is a return to the more traditional indie sound, but Oleefia’s lyrics and harmonies are compelling enough to make this song stand up on its own. By the time the EP closes, bookended with “Outro,” you can’t help but feel a certain wistfulness; Oleefia is as sonically rich as it is poignant. This shimmering slice of nostalgia deserves a spot on your Pisces-season lineup.
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