“And with them words of so sweet breath compos’dAs made the things more rich.”
– Ophelia, “Hamlet,” Act III, Scene I
Such is the enchanting allure that Calling Ophelia presents on their debut EP “People Come Around.” Led by the descriptive songwriting of vocalist and guitarist Brooke Chabot, this Truckee folk group has brought something distinctive to the table in terms of local music.
The album begins with a gypsy raga beat over plucked mandolin and droning accordion. The simplicity and repetition of instruments creates a Middle Eastern vibe that enchants the ears and provides the vehicle for Chabot’s wistful longings. Although they call themselves an Americana band, Calling Ophelia reminds me more of folk and world music traditions than something forged in the heartland.
There is an intimacy to Chabot’s vocal delivery that makes you feels as if you are there in the room with her. Her voice cracks and bends over the music, drawing out and ceasing at times you wouldn’t expect. The way she breathes, the way she holds and ends her words intoxicates the ears and beckons one to follow.
“The simplicity and repetition of instruments
creates a Middle Eastern vibe that enchants the earsand provides the vehicle for (Brooke) Chabot’s wistful longings.”
Perhaps the group’s name is an homage to the strange, delirious songs Ophelia sings just before her death, but based on her yearning lyrics I get the impression that Chabot can relate well to romantic madness of the ill-fated character in Shakespeare’s most famous play. On “Dragons,” she allures us to join her in the closet where she dreams of monsters, castles and the knight that she hopes will come back to save her.
On “Circus,” she sings of her desire to join in the magical act. “Soon, I’ll find a way to join your ranks. I’ll find a way to stay.” Based on this debut effort, I hope that she does just that.
The honesty and directness of this band remind me of other eclectic groups such as Elephant Revival that have gone on to do great things. I’ll be looking forward to seeing where Calling Ophelia grows and develops from here, but in the meantime “People Come Around” is worth a listen. It might be that magical first album we look back on and remember when.
Calling Ophelia will perform March 25 at the Ritz-Carlton at Northstar and March 26 at 2 p.m. for the Squaw Valley Après Ski Series in Olympic Village. | callingophelia.com
March 25 | 5 p.m.
The Ritz-Carlton | Northstar
March 26 | 2 p.m.
Squaw Valley | Olympic Valley
