For reasons that will become obvious soon enough, delving into AlascA’s unique career made me realise how much time has actually passed since the early 2010s. It’s a sentiment that makes this article – and the matter at hand, ‘Ophelia’ – even more poignant. A celebrated alt-folk outfit, Dutch group AlascA found a discreet amount of success between 2012 (the year of their debut album ‘Actors & Liars’) and 2021. Touring all across Europe in underground venues in front of exuberant audiences, AlascA eventually decided to take an extensive break, just as the world was slowly emerging from the pandemic nightmare.
Visiting the band’s Instagram account is rather striking in that regard, as posts jump from October 2021 to June of this year; I know, it’s a little detail, yet one that truly puts in perspective AlascA’s long-awaited return. Their first single in seven years (from their 2018 album ‘Plea for Peace) was released just a few days ago, and it’s exactly how one would imagine it. Titled ‘Ophelia’, the track takes an alternative folk path that’s quite eclectic and rock-oriented, certainly nostalgic and wholesome.
Let’s leave behind all of the heartwarming tales I laid out in the paragraphs above. AlascA exist right now, they are who they are today, no matter their history. I urge you to approach ‘Ophelia’ as the haunting, gentle and atmospheric jewel it is. The song also benefits from a great deal of textures and lush vocals, making the listening experience ever so special and meaningful. The perfect match for the piece’s metaphorical lyricism.
Recommended! Discover ‘Ophelia’ on Spotify: