ANCHR's Artist of the Week: The Orielles

This week’s artist of the week goes to The Orielles!

Photo by Neelam Khan Vela

Hailing from Halifax, England, The Orielles are composed of Esmé Dee Hand Halford on the bass and vocals, Sid Dee Hand Halford on drums and vocals, Henry Carlyle Wade on guitar, and Alex Stephens on keys. The group’s Spotify bio describes them as “Post-Disco Punk” and I have to say that’s a pretty spot on description of their dreamy, atmospheric anthems. The Orielles achieve their eccentric sound by mixing hypnotic synths with distorted guitar riffs and emotive melodies.

Most recently, the band released an EP this month of remixes of their fourth album Tableau. The remixes featured collaborations from Manchester/Berlin duo Space Afrika, London based DJ/producer Shy One and Edinburgh based producer Eyes of Others. The album Tableau was just released in October 2022 and it was self-produced in partnership with producer Joel Anthony Patchett. The record features singles like “The Room” and “Beam/s,” the latter of which Space Afrika remixed on the EP. Space Afrika says they really loved the vocals on this track, adding, “In our world it makes less sense to take away from that. We approached it as, if this was our song how would we write it. It’s in line with our energy and sound and makes sense as continuation.”

To date Tableau definitely feels the most experimental and boundary-pushing of The Orielles’ catalog, but don’t be afraid to dive into their entire discography. Since releasing their debut full length Silver Dollar Moment in 2018, the band has consistently delivered with albums released in 2020, 2021, and 2022.

If you like what you hear— and you’re bound to like something in The Orielles’ diverse soundscape— make sure to catch the group live on tour next year. They have several upcoming shows on their website and will also be featured as an official showcasing artist at SXSW 2023.