Stephen Wyatt: London’s HÆLOS convened with its muse and produced “Oracle”, a song that attempts to defy time and space. Vocalist Lotti Bernardout summons the heavens and returns with a voice eerily evoking shades of PJ Harvey during her most restrained, yet intimate moments. “Oracle” gives into the night as the house rhythms explode through the breathy atmosphere. Taking tiny fragments of inspiration from Massive Attack, the band forges its own identity in spite of its referential nod to Bristol’s finest. The ghost in the machine aches to emerge from its captivity. In the end, Berndarout and company do so without regret. [8/10]
Ari Rosenschein: Picture Ummagumma -era Pink Floyd hanging out with Portishead during an EST weekend. HÆLOS are a soul group in the most non-traditional sense and a decent one. “Oracle” resides at the intersection of London and Silver Lake. [5/10]
Dami Solebo: I think the intro sets a pretty powerful tone that is maintained for the track. Vocals complement a standard but memorable beat. One of the songs on the list that is more likely to stay on my mind. [8/10]
Chris Pittaway: Amid its slow-swirling storm of sound, ‘Oracle’ does a commendable job of retaining its humanity as it slowly evolves. The track justifies its five-and-a-half minutes with its weary introspective atmosphere, but isn’t exactly memorable once it lets go. Definitely mood music. [6/10]
Chad Miller: Bears some cool vocal effects that really spruce up an otherwise repetitive melody. MVP award goes out to the particular track with the pulsing rhythm. This does a lot to drive the music forward. The piece thrives after the second verse where a really cool soundscape is created. Overall, the appeal to this track lies in the background as there’s not much going on at the forefront. [5/10]
HÆLOS’ new album Full Circle releases March 18th via Matador Records.
SCORE: 6.40