Every Wednesday we publish a Song of the Week in the Morning Report to spice up your week with some local tunes.
Cole De La Isla’s voice is really something special. On “Memorial,” there are shades of Thom Yorke’s gymnastic vocal leaps, while on “My Lightning,” there are brief flashes of the plaintive crooning of someone like Regina Spektor.
But even with those comparisons, De La Isla is unique. Their voice is colored by a deep sense of yearning, authority, and at times, the weariness of someone for whom the waters of life have begun to erode drop by drop.
Omo Cloud, “My Lightning”: This was a tough one. I’ve been eagerly absorbing each new Omo Cloud song ever since I happened to catch the band at Whistlestop last year. There’s a dynamism to their sound that just can’t be captured in one track. Alas, one song is all I can treat you with, so I landed on “My Lightning.”
There’s a quaintness to the track, which is chock full of bells, gentle piano flourishes, toylike organ sounds and De La Isla’s ethereal vocals. But even though the track isn’t as brash or upbeat as some of Omo Cloud’s others, it’s no less absorbing. The sonic restraint showcases the band’s ability to command hushed intensity and transform it into compelling and emotionally resonant indie pop.
Like what you hear? Check out Omo Cloud at Music Box on Wednesday, Feb. 7.
Do you have a “Song of the Week” suggestion? Shoot us an email and a sentence or two about why you’ve been bumping this song lately. Friendly reminder: all songs should be by local artists!