From the heart of rural America to the sidewalks of New York City's East Side, Ollabelle is nothing like traditional gospel music.
As a relatively new band, the six members originate from entirely different backgrounds, musically and culturally. While vocalist Fiona McBain hails from Sydney, Australia (and specializes in songwriting), Glenn Patscha is a jazz pianist and vocalist from Canada.
In addition to jazz, the band's other members contribute a crazy concoction of sounds. Incorporating grass roots, blues, touches of funk, a little bit of country and a lot of soul, the band reworks it all into a fresh sound.
Throughout the 13 tracks on their self-titled album, the lead vocalist is never the same. Jumping from person to person, the switching of lead singers is brilliant.
The working of such a feat is possible because of their stylistic approach. It makes it apparent that the listener is still hearing the same band. By keeping the same vibe over the course of an intricate disc with different vocalists, the disc reinvents itself.
The album initiates its unsuspecting listeners with the powerful, foot-tapping and praising track "Before This Time." The busting sound of a large choir is complemented by shaking tambourines and clapping hands.
As if the opening to the disc was not surprising enough, halfway through the lead song is a jam session of consistently beating percussion, clapping hands and the hypnotic chanting of "How Long?"
In comparison to the soulful opening lead vocals of Amy Helm is "Get Back Temptation," sung by Glenn Patscha. Reminiscent of a Bruce Springsteen-like deep voice with a soulful touch, the acoustic guitars compliment his sound.
"At the end of the day/ Carry me over to the other side/ Through the valley I had walked for a thousand thousand days/ If the Lord and I hadn't talked/ I would have never found my way."
Similar to the music of "O, Brother, Where Art Thou?" the acoustic bass guitar, acoustic slide guitar and harmonica add a flavor to the sound that just, well, works.
One of the disc's best elements is the impeccable harmony and syncopation the vocalists provide. Blending such different voices into one seamless sound is worth hearing its satin-like qualities.
The band's first disc brings a new style to those who want to rejoice in the Lord as well as listen to some good tunes. Can I get an "Amen?"
