EP: Oh Sister 'Watch The Water'

Rating:

Oh Sister are an all-girl group fronted by singer/songwriter Sarah Berresford, who cite Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan as their main influences (the band’s name being a nod to Dylan’s song of the same name).

Described as “ambient folk”, Oh Sister’s sound is poetic and understated, and their combination of guitar and electronic instruments culminates in a deeply intriguing listen. Watch The Water hosts four vigilant, patient, powerful tracks that are heavy not in volume, but in content.

Opening track ‘Only Nature’ is a perfect example of this.”My cigarette’s half finished now,” muses Berresford – that’ll be the reason for her soothing, husky, earthy vocals then. The track’s ambient guitar rings out over steady percussion, and is enhanced by reverb and synths. Lyrics such as “I swear I changed to someone else, I wasn’t right, not like myself” fill ‘Only Nature’ with calm, yet beautiful unease.

“If love is dangerous, we have a duty to get through it.” ‘Don’t Leave’ is another stunning example of Oh Sister’s ability to transform vulnerability in to powerful, poetic music. The track is an emotional plea for safety and security, whilst also being cathartic in its honesty. ‘Hot And Cold’ is another acute observation of a tempestuous love affair. The echo of the kick drum and careful plucking of acoustic guitar strings perfectly compliment the melancholy lyrics.

Closing track ‘For The Dales’ is the strongest song on the EP, and the repetition of the opening staccato-style vocals sits beautifully alongside the brooding bass, quiet synths, and steady percussion. Berresford explained that the song was a “snap shot” of her mind during a period of ill-health, as well as being a song “about loving someone who is unavailable, just like every song ever”.

On Watch The Water, Oh Sister give love – unrequited, empty, wasted love – a new poetic poignancy that will simultaneously soothe and unsettle you, like raindrops on a placid lake.

Watch The Water is out now via Moonshiner Records.