Today is a treat for all of us who have a penchant for the ethereal world of shoegaze. The air is abuzz, not just with autumn’s chill, but with the resonance of “For Selene,” the latest offering from LA’s OSNOVA. If you’re someone like me who finds solace in melodies that have the power to envelop you like a foggy morning, then tomorrow, you’ll want to check out this track, plus their other release, “Octavian.”
The very beginning of ‘For Selene’ offers a dreamy, mist-like ambiance, almost as if painting a celestial atmosphere. And just when you think you’re floating amidst the clouds, the snappy percussion brings you a rhythmic grounding, adding an unexpected edge, introducing a flow that’s hard to resist. Caroline McLaughlin, the band’s frontwoman, steps into the soundscape with her vocals. Describing them as ethereal might just be an understatement. Her voice swirls, soars, and lulls, showcasing a unique depth and resonance that I feel truly sets her apart in the shoegaze realm.
And as I mentioned, “Octavian,” another single from OSNOVA, is set to release tomorrow, via Dune Altar. Together with “For Selene,” these two tracks form a dynamic duo, showcasing the breadth and depth of the band. There’s yet another exciting tidbit from the OSNOVA camp: they have an LP in the pipeline. While details are still under wraps, it’s confirmed that work is underway. Given what they’ve showcased so far, it’s no doubt that this upcoming LP will be another great work and showcase their dedication and artistry. Stay tuned with us for more updates, and in the meantime, be sure to check out “For Selene.”
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BIO
OSNOVA began in 2018 with some instrumental ideas by guitarist Jean-Claude Vorgeack. As a former music journalist and DJ at KXLU FM in Los Angeles, Jean- Claude (JC for fans of brevity) is a lifelong student of “alternative” music. Since his days as a lad, poring over album cover art and lyrics, to years spent in countless underground bands, OSNOVA is the culmination of a life of music consumption from a musician who has finally absorbed a thing or two in his studies.
When JC went looking for a drummer, Sam Ribeyro answered the call. A Russian emigré and man of few words, Sam brought tasteful phrasing and vital life to JC’s home-recorded demos. Sam and JC continued to work on music throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, but their search for additional collaborators wouldn’t come to fruition until July of 2022 when, after more auditions than the two would care to recall, the band found vocalist Caroline McLaughlin.
A Minnesota transplant with formal training in voice and theatre, Caroline’s vocals balance strength and vulnerability, and she immediately understood the band’s cinematic sound. Reminiscent at times of Katie Ball (Just Mustard) in her stronger moments and Toni Halliday (Curve) in her more fragile ones, Caroline’s vocals command attention in a way not often heard in this genre of music.
