The Ophelias Seek Biblical Vengeance on New Single “Salome”
Cincinnati, Ohio quartet The Ophelias have been percolating under the surface of the indie scene for ten years now. But if the first two singles off of their upcoming fourth album Spring Grove are any indicator, their time in the spotlight is imminent. Their latest single, “Salome,” is a psychedelic trip through female rage in a male-dominated world, a manifesto of disappointment and vengeance.
Lyricist and vocalist Spencer Peppet evokes the name of the Jewish princess Salome who received John the Baptist’s head as a reward for her dancing, juxtaposing the New Testament story with the experience of being involved with an older man. “Don’t you know/I am not the one” Peppet warns right off the rip, moments before declaring “I want your head on a stake/I want your head on a platter,” a direct reference to the biblical story. As they say, hell hath no fury…
Spring Grove is the full-length follow-up to the band’s 2024 EP Ribbon and produced by Grammy-winning indie music darling (and previous collaborator) Julien Baker. “Salome” feels like the natural next step in what has been a consistent evolution of the band overtime, without sacrificing the DIY hallmarks that make their work so beloved in the scene. The music video accompanying the single, filmed in backyards and football fields by the band and their friends, embodies the spirit of the Ophelias: handmade and heartfelt, a product of passion and community.
“Salome” is one of the more rock-leaning offerings from the group in recent memory, higher-energy than anything on the aforementioned previous EP Ribbon, with Mic Adam’s drumming being a major highlight of the second half of the track. Unfortunately, the song just ends too soon. Where the album’s first single “Cumulonimbus” clocked in as a satisfying 4-plus minute opus, “Salome” barely has time to breathe before cutting off abruptly at a curt 2 minutes and 18 seconds. For such a compelling concept, it leaves something to be desired, as if there was another hook or bridge we’re missing out on. As far as critiques go, however, there’s far worse that could be said about an artist’s work than “I want more!”
And, luckily, more is certainly on the way. “Salome” will presumably be the last taste of Spring Grove before it arrives in full on April 4th via Get Better Records. The Ophelias will be touring select East Coast cities this spring.
