The Oracle
Hypogeum
(Repose Records)
4.5/5
One of the most vital decisions a musician makes while creating a stellar album is establishing a unique tone. Whether it’s as light and lovely as The Beatles’ “All You Need Is Love” or as tense as the Jaws theme, the tone a musician sets for their music is what makes the music memorable. With a perfectly unique tone that is an exact match with the dark themes that they are trying to convey, Massachusetts-based instrumental experimental band The Oracle makes their debut album Hypogeum one for the books.
Inspired by the sounds of great musical movie scores of the past, The Oracle on Hypogeum use tempo, sound, and tone to expertly tackle controversial themes like religion, the rise and fall of political leaders, and, most nobly, the mystery of the infamous Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, found in Malta. The band blends these together to make one amazing symphonic experience of a record.
The Oracle’s first album introduces us to a daring band that goes above and beyond any expectations and delivers an exceptional debut while doing so.