The harmonic duo Saint Senara, from Cheltenham, have released a third single from their impending EP. Ophelia hints at the tragic, Shakespearean fiancée of Hamlet, drowning in a sea of flowers—bringing to mind Sir John Everett Millais’ romantic image of Ophelia, painted in the mid-1800s.
It’s very much a poetic folk song, with Chloe’s strong vocals riding Andrew’s stark guitar framework. It’s a song brimming with the superb harmonies we’ve come to expect from this band. Ophelia is the flip side of the coin when viewed alongside the vengeful Lost Lisa Marie, previously released. Ophelia is portrayed as the safe haven for her lover—a place of comfort when other adventures go awry. She is destined always to be the refuge.
The deliciously dark undercurrent is present, as we’ve come to expect from Saint Senara’s songs. Beautifully delivered, Ophelia adds to their catalogue of finely self-penned works, not only demonstrating their commitment to pushing genre boundaries but also hinting at the promise of future releases.
As said before, Saint Senara are a band to watch. They remain firmly on my radar and come with my wholehearted recommendation. But don’t take my word for it—listen to Ophelia on Spotify. Check out Saint Senara’s website for news and live listings.
By Graham Munn