Ofeliadorme
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Ofeliadorme

Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy | Established. Jan 01, 2008 | INDIE

Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy | INDIE
Established on Jan, 2008
Band Alternative Dream Pop

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"Mucchio Selvaggio"

Sono un quartetto gli Ofeliadorme, ma nascono come duo acustico; non e` quindi un caso
che, senza nulla togliere al contributo comunque interessante e non banale della sezione
ritmica, siano gli intrecci di plettri e corde, sovente con la spina staccata, a caratterizzare
maggiormente le canzoni contenute in questo EP d’esordio. Quelli, e la voce di Francesca
Bono, efficace nel tratteggiare paesaggi interiori chiaroscurali e ricchi di sfumature. Sei le
canzoni qui contenute, che convincono dal punto di vista sia compositivo che degli
arrangiamenti, all’insegna di una cura notevole per i dettagli e gli incastri senza pero` che
questa vada mai a discapito dell’onesta` e dell’intensita` del tutto. Dalla filo-radioheadiana “To
Wait” ai sussurri di “The Ballad Of The Bitter End”, passando per i progressivi riempimenti
della lunga “New Pieces Of Science” e il fascinoso intimismo di “6:17 PM”, il dischetto – la
cui scaletta e` completata da “Bells” e “This World”, non da meno dei titoli citati poc’anzi –
mette in luce idee e soluzioni davvero notevoli, a dimostrazione di come l’ensemble
bolognese abbia potenzialmente un futuro roseo di fronte a se´. Sia che si ami l’indie-rock sia
che invece si preferisca il cantautorato – non necessariamente al femminile – piu`
introspettivo, il nostro consiglio e` di segnarsi il nome degli Ofeliadorme, in virtu` non soltanto
delle soddisfazioni che potrebbero riservare in futuro ma anche di quelle che gia` oggi sanno
regalare.

Aurelio Pasini
03.06.2009

http://www.ilmucchio.it/fdm_content.php?sez=scelte&id_riv=66&id=1149 - Aurelio Pasini


"Musicaoltranza"

Bello questo progetto delicato. Questa voce femminile su tappeti minimalisti.
Niente di nuovo nella ricetta, per amor di dio. Anzi, le Cocorosie, con i loro rumorismi, con gli effetti sonori sullo sfondo, le voci
doppiate, sono strapresenti, uccidendo un po’ l’atmosfera.
Pero` il disco, breve ma intenso, resta bello. Soprattutto per una voce capace di restare impressa, di muoversi in riferimenti
femminili belli (Oltre alle citate sorelline ad esempio P.J. Harvey o altre voci femminili di spessore americano), capace di lasciare
anche spazio alla musica, pur lasciando nella mente echi intensi.
“To wait” distende lo spettatore, preparandolo ad uno spettacolo intimo, una cosa da luci soffuse, per pochi intimi, che ti prende
piano. Come piccole storie, non sempre positive, ma che comunque vanno raccontate. Le confidenze di un’ amica, che ti
racconta la sua giornata. Positiva o negativa che sia.
Poi c’e` chi sa ascoltare. E chi aspetta il suo turno per parlare. I secondi questo disco non lo gradiranno. - Mauro Nigro


"Saltinaria"

Gli Ofeliadorme esordiscono con “Sometimes It's Better To Wait”, sei tracce permeate di echi nostalgici e desolato lirismo.
Ascoltare gli Ofeliadorme da` la netta sensazione di trovarsi immersi in una malinconica, nostalgica, scena di un film drammatico,
nella quale magari i protagonisti siano costretti a salutarsi (forse per sempre) senza trovare le parole per farlo, ma trasmettendosi il
proprio dolore con gli sguardi, con i movimenti. E nella quale, forse, il mondo circostante sembra ignaro, o incurante, della loro
sofferenza, e continua il proprio giro (sovente capita che la struggente voce si sollevi su piccole grida, risate in sottofondo, con
singolare effetto di straniamento).
A dare la diffusa percezione di una sorta di "colonna sonora esistenziale" contribuiscono gli arrangiamenti incalzanti di ripetitivita`
ipnotica, quel generale tono sommesso, quell'intimismo mesto e ferito che non concede la consolazione di cambi d'atmosfera,
ma si racchiude in se´ stesso dalla prima all'ultima traccia dell'Ep; il che non nega tuttavia una certa piacevolezza, cantabilita`,
maestria nel tratteggiare linee melodiche efficaci, che danno ai brani ulteriore identita` e spessore, e che raggiungono (a mio
avviso) i loro vertici nella stralunata 617PM, dal sottile, singolare fascino.
“Sometimes It's Better To Wait” e` un lavoro molto sentito e molto bello, dall'ammaliante e straziante dolcezza, nel solco del
cantautorato piu` lirico che sembra avere in se´ il germe di una splendida, delicata, crescita artistica. - Fiorenza Panaccio


"HateTV"

Gli Ep sono una cosa splendida: ti trovi davanti questo o quel gruppo che forse sara` la prossima rivelazione nazionale oppure
semplicemente (e piu` probabilmente) finira` nel dimenticatoio dell'underground, e dal tuo canto non puoi fare altro che sfoggiare
un orgoglio da talent-scout davanti agli amici dichiarando cose del tipo “Io li conosco dall'esordio”, “Io li ascoltavo quando non se
li filava nessuno”, “Erano meglio prima, adesso sono troppo commerciali”.
Sometimes is better to wait e` il primo ep degli Ofeliadorme, formazione bolognese nata nel 2007 come un progetto acustico a
due e allargatosi di numero e vedute negli anni a venire, hanno gia` partecipato a qualche raccolta e fatto buona figura a diversi
concorsi. Devo dire che di solito sono molto scettico, per non dire razzista, nei confronti dei gruppi che si fanno chiamare con un
nome italiano e poi si mettono a cantare in inglese, ma per una volta sono contento di poter parlare sinceramente di una band su
cui vale la pena soffermarsi un poco di piu`.
Nel modo di suonare degli Ofeliadorme c'e` un sapore dolce-amaro che se all'inizio sembra una flebile presenza col passare delle
canzoni si impone sempre di piu` sull'ascoltatore, trascinandolo in una cupa dimensione interiore dove ogni sensazione sconvolge
solo per il fatto di esistere. To wait inizia come un canzone folk con slanci rock in 6/8 alla Moltheni, dove la voce grintosa e
sensibile della cantante Francesca Bono gia` mostra parte della sua grande bellezza. New pieces of science ricorda certi
momenti acustici del grunge dei primi anni novanta, di una ferocia delicata grazie anche ai tessuti sonori aggiunti – le risate
bambinesche e adulte, le macchine da scrivere a tempo - che ne rivelano lentamente il fascino fino all'esplosione strumentale
conclusiva. 6:17 pm e` un poco piu` trascurabile e anche Bells, nonostante le emozionanti dimostrazioni vocali, richiama un
universo slow-core che purtroppo ha gia` dato molto al panorama musicale. E` solo con This world che gli Ofeliadorme sfoderano
un'altra canzone tagliente ed efficace, agitata e gelida dove mostrano parecchia della loro originalita`. Purtroppo, il finale potrebbe
essere migliore di The ballad of the bitter end.
I sei pezzi dell'EP sono semplici e ipnotici, scorrono veloci e intensi rendendo Sometimes is better to wait una fotografia nitida
sull'identita` degli Ofeliadorme, un gruppo carico di ispirazione, con molta energia e quindi forse con troppe aspettative che
andranno a costruirsi sulle loro spalle, spettera` a loro dimostrarsi validi e mantenerle. - Antonio Garosi


"Rockerilla"

C'e` molto sapore di pop d'autore contemporaneo in questo ep d'esordio della band di Francesca Bono.
Profumi di pop d'autore, Portishead, qualcosa di Cat Power forse, qualcosa di...
Testi in inglese e suoni convincenti, registrazioni accurate che altro non fanno che confermare il titolo che ci sembra azzeccato.
Dal 2007, anno di formazione come duo acustico (e tutt'ora l'ambientazione acustica e` quella dove danno il meglio) assieme a
Gianluca Modica, solo ora OfeliaDorme giungono a una prova discografica e aspettare e` probabilmente stato un bene vista la
qualita` del progetto che ha un intenso sapore internazionale e che dei quattro membri fa trasparire le certe ottime letture,
particolarmente evidenti delle tenui, diafane sincopi di "6:17 p.m.", il nostro brano preferito. - Massimo Marchini


"Rebel Riff"

The last track up this month is a six track EP that came through a request to my Rebelriffs blog. Ofelia Dorme are a four piece
band from Bologna, Italy and I'm glad they approached me to review this EP, and that is just from my cursory listen to To Wait
(the opening track) while downloading the whole EP. Damn, what a great track this is, so catchy it hurts. More to the point its got
the ultimate deal maker in Francesca Bono, whose vocal shines out of this track like the talent it is - and what a voice. Brrrrr,
know what I mean? New Pieces of Science (track two) shows that not only can this band deliver extremely high quality product,
they also know EXACTLY how to wring every nuance out of their music.
I think this material is self produced and a huge pat on the back for everyone involved is well in order; some of the best overall
sounding tracks I have heard this year. It's the quality of the songwriting and performance that nailed me though and I suspect
you'll probably be influenced by them too. See, I do like my music to be intelligent, to do things I wouldn't have expected, to
challenge what is considered 'commercial' In two tracks, Ofelia Dorme had satisfied that need and 6.17 (track three) went so
much further, showing that all the material has considerable chops.
Bells sounds almost German in its style and execution, and it adds to the charm of the song; a beautifully recorded acoustic
piece that raises bumps on my arms. The kind of track of track you need to lie back and enjoy. This World starts like a Paul
Simon song on speed, then REALLY picks up traction when the main song kicks in. Another absolutely top class production and
another great song. The Ballad Of The Bitter End completes this really stunning collection of highly complex, yet very listenable
songs. This EP is definitely something that should be listened into its entirety, it will give you a great insight into this band.
Whatever the EP's title, in this case it's better to grab and run!
MUST HAVE what? rock? acoustic? Whatever, best thing I've heard all year. Don't miss this. - Steve Gilmore


"Komakino"

What looked like a side-project for Francesca Bono, from Magicbabyet, now it's at official debut release and her main band.
And got rid off previous comparisons with P J Harvey, Ofeliadorme, from Bologna, Italy, now sound more like a music creature
placed among Crowsdell (the mid-tempo ballad and the obsessive guitar riff in To Wait) and earliest Emily Haines' Cut in Half and
Also Double (6:17 Pm, with percussions like a tic-toc-tic-tac clock), - where songs are whispered and fragile, but at the same
time consumed and painful (Bells), acoustically driven.
While i put a personal reserve on New Pieces of Science, - because i'm not a fan of songs featuring laughs, I think that This
World represents their ace here, - it puts a total strain on the listener, - a sort of stern hypnosis inducing to fainting, where
Francesca's vocals are passionated, sorrowful, - and not less mournful than the cello playing along with Her.
This EP is a delightful introduction to Ofeliadorme, - appealing, sometimes soothing, sweet and melancholic, - not the next big
thing under the summer sun, but probably the perfect company to drive back home at night. - Pall Youhideme


"Slowcoustic"

Ever want to lie awake and stare off to the distance, but with purpose? Well, take a listen and feel yourself catching yourself
gazing off, losing yourself while at the same time being totally focused.
Ofeliadorme (or “Ophelia is Sleeping” translated from Italian) is part shoegaze, part ambient with a shake or two of dark ominous
on top. There are the haunting vocals of Francesca Bono that bring the mostly acoustic backing to life – you almost feel like
looking at yourself from outside your body, but in a hypnotic slow motion. To call it “moody” is insulting, to describe it as both
spooky and beautiful is a start, but to find it delicate with an edge is where it makes a home. Very nice. - Smansmith


"RockPulse"

OfeliaDorme - Sometimes it's better to wait (EP)

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.

Rob S
07 june 2009

Rating: 7/10

http://www.rockpulse.co.uk/ofeliadormereview.html - Rob S


"Notes From Left of the Dial: Brandon Locher and more"

Ofeliadorme, "Jupiter"
The music of Italy's Ofeliadorme seems to exist in a delicate balance between the foggy pop tendencies of bands like Cocteau Twins and Mazzy Star, and the more tempestuous rock nature of The Jesus and Mary Chain. Rather than being some rote throwback, their sound is an acute amalgamation of some intensely focused influences. Composed of Francesca Bono, Tato Izzia and Michele Postpischl, the band structures their aesthetic around the dreamlike urges of their somnambulic pop inclinations. There's no lack of thrust within each song, as there's a rhythmic twilight and shadowy melodic eclipse moving within. Pop music doesn't always have to be bright and exuberant to be effective—it can be shrouded in mystery and a nighttime haze.

With "Jupiter," the band falls headfirst into a swirling mix of dark pop instincts and veiled rock intuition. Channeling the dark wave sound of the '80s without resorting to base imitation, they've managed to capitalize on their inspirations to form a sound that's equal parts midnight dalliance and energetic rock brilliance. This track takes the sound that we expect and turns it completely around—as the song explores its own origins, we're left with a lingering question as to its motivations. And it's this sense of unease and hesitancy that creates such a wonderfully affecting framework on which the band hangs their already-impressive musical deconstructions. - Joshua Pickard


"Review: Ofeliadorme"

So apparently the world is ending today. If you are one of those unlucky enough not to be raised bodily to heaven, then might we suggest Ofelia Dorme’s debut album All Harm Ends Here as the soundtrack to your apocalypse?

The Italian four-piece have an astonishing talent for capturing the sound of something beautiful dying. Following in the footsteps of post-rockers like Godspeed You! Black Emperor, the band swap instruments to create a landscape of soaring noise. The ‘quiet quiet LOUD LOUD LOUD’ formula employed to great effect by such as Sigur Ros and Radiohead is used sparingly and creatively throughout the album to the extent that you can pretty much never hear it coming. When it does, you want to throw your hands up in celebration or plunge into the void, wherever that may be.

‘Ian’, a tribute to Ian Curtis, is a sterling example of this, with Francesca Bono’s PJ Harvey-esque vocals, capable of reaching shrieking heights and icy harmonies, descending to a growl as she sings the words “so sad” over and over, as if to taunt the listener with their own feelings.

The lyrics are perhaps the greatest strength on the record. If most bands started an album with words like ‘My parents are asking me/”Are you feeling fine?/No I’m not, no I’m not”, (‘Paranoid Park’) they would come off as petulant and self-indulgent in the most irritating way possible. Here they sound plaintive and honest, a way of relating unspeakable loss to the real world. An indie song called ‘I Like My Drums’ could quite reasonably be expected to be a fluffy skiffle number about the joys of beating your skins. Here Bono uses the words with Anna Calvi-like vocal gymnastics to create a sentiment of longing- “I like my drums/ For they remind me/ Of my heartbeat/ When I think of you” – followed by mournful Beirut style brass. And even in the sadness, a note of optimism creeps in – “Is it a crime to dream like this?” ponders Bono on closer ‘Eve’, to the sweet-sad strains of acoustic guitar reminiscent of Monkey Swallows the Universe on form.

The music shines through in its own right, most notably on instrumental ‘Leaves of Grass’, which is as experimental and graceful as Whitman’s poetry from which it takes its name. Throughout Ofelia Dorme blend a range of sounds and influences, from dub beats and whistles to cicada-chirrups and Spanish guitar, with subtlety and style. It might be the end of the world, but it’s a pretty good view from here.

All Harm Ends Here is available to stream from their website. - Lux Chell


"Ofeliadorme-Jupiter-Single Review"

The Italian ethereal-rock band OfeliaDorme were first introduced in 2009 and last featured in 2014.
Whilst always darkly textured, in Jupiter, OfeliaDorme have been able to introduce an even more spectral layering to the music.
The echoing synths provide a moody framework for the track as the bass provides the depth and gloomy weaves of sound and the percussion delivers the sense of an unstoppable foreboding whilst the vocal, which is delivered behind the foggy texturing, provides the haunting melancholia. All enabling the just under five minute track to fully captivate the attention, whilst chilling the spine.

OfeliaDorme have put out a couple of singles this year after a two year break in releasing material and I hope that Jupiter (which is available on bandcamp) marks a return to more regular recordings becoming available. - Tim Whale


Discography

Jupiter - Single 2016
The Tale - EP 2014
In the wake of adversity (Dead Can Dance cover) / Lioness (Songs:Ohia cover) - 7" vinyl 2014
Bloodroot - CD 2013
Cheer me up / I like my drums - 7" picture disc 2011
All Harm Ends Here - CD 2011
Sometimes it's better to wait - EP 2009

Photos

Bio

Ofeliadorme, pronounced as ‘Oh-pheh-lee-ah-dohr-meh’, emerged in Bologna in 2008. Their name is inspired by a Rimbaud’s poem and their music owes very much to literature and cinema as much as art, using images, repetition, oscure romantic lyrics and minimal arrangements.
The band released 2 LPs and numerous EPs, 7″ and singles and has been toured in the UK, China, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium.
Appreciated by Rob Ellis and Howie B, who remixed their song “Paranoid Park”, on stage they create a stripped-down feel and an appropriately dark atmosphere.
In November 2014 they released The Tale EP, an electronic 14 minutes work, inspired by the myth of Cupid and Psyche.
In June 2015 Howie B (Bjork, Massive Attack, Tricky) recorded their third album in Wales (UK). The LP will be released in 2017 through Howie B’s brand new label HB Recordings.
In early 2016 the band asked some friends and fellow musicians to remix The Tale EP, and the result is ‘The Tale Remix’ (with contributions by Massimo Carozzi, Paolo Iocca, Stromboli, Ezra, Whte Raven, Alessandro Gulino and Lips against the glass).
A new original track ‘Jupiter’ was also released along with a video by video artist Carlotta Piccinini.

Ofeliadorme are:
Francesca Bono (vocals, guitars, synth)
Michele Postpischl (drums)
Tato Izzia (bass synth, synth, electronics)

List of recent gigs:

2016


past
Apr 16, 2016 – Hangover – Ancona IT
Apr 15, 2016 – Sound Music – Frattamaggiore (NA) IT
Apr 14, 2016 – Sparwasser – Roma IT
Apr 11, 2016 – Fico – Cremona IT
Apr 09, 2016 – Glue – Firenze IT
Apr 02, 2016 – Wave – Misano Adriatico (RN) IT
Apr 01, 2016 – Red Noise – Reggio Emilia IT
Feb 28, 2016 – Zoo – Bologna IT
Jan 09, 2016 – Arci Alberodonte – Rodengo Saiano (BS) IT

2015

Dec 23, 2015 – Ex Cinema Aurora – Livorno IT
Nov 30, 2015 – Gattò – Milano IT
Nov 29, 2015 – Playground Lounge – Berna CH
Nov 27, 2015 – Madame Claude – Berlin DE
Nov 26, 2015 – Salon Kaulenberg – Halle DE
Nov 07, 2015 – Morgana – Benevento IT
Nov 06, 2015 – Freadom Book – Bellizzi (SA) IT
Nov 05, 2015 – Black Market – Roma IT
Oct 24, 2015 – Indie Pride TPO – Bologna IT
Oct 02, 2015 – Nuts – Chongqing CI
Oct 01, 2015 – Nuart Festival – Chengdu CI
Sep 26, 2015 – Mikay Livehouse – Kunming CI
Sep 25, 2015 – DM+B Club – Dali CI
Sep 18, 2015 – Ghirba – Reggio Emilia IT
Sep 11, 2015 – Blah Blah – Torino IT
Sep 02, 2015 – Dalla Cira – Pesaro IT
Aug 04, 2015 – OFFBar – Lago dei Cigni – Firenze IT
Jul 20, 2015 – Parco del Cavaticcio – Bologna IT
Jun 30, 2015 – Girfalco Beat – Fermo IT
Apr 04, 2015 – Tatanka – Gradara (PU) IT
Apr 03, 2015 – Porcelli Tavern – Amelia (TR) IT
Mar 28, 2015 – Il Salotto del Custode – Cesena IT
Mar 20, 2015 – Fog Fest – Ferrara IT
Mar 11, 2015 – Viniles – San Benedetto del Tronto IT
Mar 07, 2015 – Glue  – Firenze IT
Feb 21, 2015 – Altroquando – Zero Branco (TV) IT
Feb 04, 2015 – Red Noise – Reggio Emilia IT
Jan 31, 2015 – Khorakhane – Grosseto IT