“Cumulonimbus” by The Ophelias Is Your Next Song of Spring

Written By: Louise Olivia

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Photo From Artist's Facebook

This February, The Ophelias teased their newest album, “Spring Grove” by releasing two singles: “Cumulonimbus” and “Salome”.

“Cumulonimbus” was my first impression of the band, and I am proud to say that The Ophelias have made a fan out of me. With its nostalgic and wistful sound, beautifully succinct and authentic lyrics, and a relentlessly catchy chorus-  “Cumulonimbus” is the perfect anthem for looking back at a bittersweet past with compassion and moving forward into a new season. Move over, so -called “Songs of the Summer”, “Cumulonimbus” is my Song of Spring! 

For those who are unfamiliar, The Ophelias are a self proclaimed “moth music”/ orchestral indie rock band. The band is composed of Spencer Peppet (she/her), Andrea Gutmann Fuentes (she/her), Mic Adams (he/him), and Jo Shaffer (she/they). Their upcoming album “Spring Grove” releases on April 4th, and was produced by Julien Baker. 

The lead vocalist, Spencer Peppet, writes that “Spring Grove” (named for a cemetery in Cincinnati) is an ode to the “ghosts” of her past. It embodies words left unsaid, new perspectives on old struggles, and a chance to come to terms with uncertainty and greet the future with newfound clarity. It’s mentioned on The Ophelias’ website that there are “zero breakup songs” on the album, but 13 tracks devoted to picking apart the “multi-faceted nature of personhood”. This pursuit speaks to me, and I’m certain it will speak to anyone grappling with the triumphs and pitfalls of loving someone, having loved someone, or frankly- just being a human being. 

“Cumulonimbus” embodies this in its emotional and nostalgic mood, which is reminiscent of 90s indie rock. It’s also evident in the lyrics, which are succinct yet relentlessly moving. The chorus is my favorite : “I know that you are gonna miss me more than you say you will- the things I didn’t say are always going to hang above you like a cumulonimbus”. This line has been ringing in my ears and sitting in my chest all week. It can stay there. I love it. The chorus as a whole is a masterpiece. The two drum hits leading into it, the way emphasis is carefully placed on certain words to create a sense of movement– it perfectly resolves the suspense building throughout the verses. These choices make the chorus feel like an epiphany. 

A soaring violin part accompanies the vocalist in place of a lead guitar, which brings so much color and depth to “Cumulonimbus” and compliments the vocals brilliantly. Don’t get me started on the vocals by the way- Peppet’s voice is clear and bright like blooming tulips. Her emotiveness is so distinct. When I first heard it, I immediately thought of singer-songwriter Mitski, specifically her vocals on “A Pearl” from her album “Be The Cowboy.”

There’s so much to love about “Cumulonimbus” that I don’t think I can do it all justice. Go listen to it. I will be waiting excitedly for the release of “Spring Grove” and diving into more of The Ophelias work.