Ollella is a Seattle, USA-based indie folk musician who has just come to my attention thanks to her courageous and experimental debut album Back Back Back.
By Graeme Smith
Feature photo by Kendall Rock Photography
In recent years, Ollella has taken her music from a part-time side-hustle to a full-time occupation, and this album spends time exploring her initial reluctance to do it. It always feels risky going after what you truly love and Ollella beautifully articulates the feeling in Back Back Back.
The album starts with its title track. It opens with a plodding rhythm and some soft pop-folk layers which brings to mind the likes of Feist. Ollella’s vocals are wonderfully expressive, and instantly captivating. I found myself hooked right from the outset, but it’s the storytelling lyrics that kept me listening.
Night livens things up with a good old-fashioned hoedown. Previously released Head in the Clouds gives us some vocal experimentation and empowering lyrics. Test of Time is pensive, airy and full of natural imagery. Tea Kettle Tea then rounds up the album’s first half. A tribute to Ollella’s aunt it’s a track rich in narrative and has a blossoming instrumental arrangement. It’s a highlight.
After a short, textured Interlude the album moves into Methuselah, a punchy, pop-infused piece of folk that draws on Ollella’s background in climate science. Don’t Lie is moody and cello-led blues. Can I Tell You? is light, intimate and romantic while Elegy strips things back with vocal harmonies and percussion. Knew It All Along closes the album with a bright and hopeful tribute to sticking to your guns.
I’m so glad that Ollella overcame her doubts to release this album. It’s a beautiful addition to the folk pop Parthenon, and the personal touches and stories make it wonderfully compelling. It’s clear that she knows her stuff as a singer and a songwriter and I can see a bright future for her career.
Back Back Back features Ollella on cello, vocals and tenor guitar, Jordan Cunningham as producer and on additional instrumentation, Emily Silks on percussion and Forrest Marowitz on bass and guitar. You can give the album a listen below.
