Oriel Poole – Scream (Video)

LA-based electro-soul siren Oriel Poole returns with her new single “Scream”. Produced by Max Savage, the trip-hop-leaning track sets her mesmeric, R&B-tinged vocals against an ornate bed of striking synths, shuffling breakbeats and orchestral instrumentation to make for bold, experimental results.

“Scream” is the half-British, half-Pinay singer’s fourth offering this year, following on from the exquisite electro-pop numbers “Freedom”, “Shadow Wall” and “Warrior”. Having already attracted a committed following with electronic hits like the Lotus collaboration “Anti-Gravity” – which has garnered over 1.6 million streams – and the downtempo Thriftworks production “Someone”, Oriel’s artistry has really come into its own in recent years, with her eye-popping, self-directed aesthetics reflecting her expertise in design and architecture.

Described by Oriel as a “cathartic release”, the cinematic new single is a welcome slice of escapism amidst a global period of disarray, arriving mid-pandemic while anticipation for the US presidential election result reaches a fever pitch. Wrapping up a prolific year for the emergent musician, “Scream” sets the tone for what’s to come from Oriel Poole, with plenty more in the pipelines.

Oriel Poole explains the inspiration behind the new song:

“Syncopated rhythms, powerful drums, infectious guitar, cinematic strings, finished with orchestral vocal harmonies – “Scream” is a league of its own. And from a songwriting standpoint, this is one of my best yet – depicting a fractured relationship on the verge of meltdown.”

“The intensity of this song lands at an appropriate time, as the collective intensity of the nation builds toward the election, dropping right before Halloween. On a global scale, this energy runs a parallel to so much of what humanity is experiencing, facing the chaos both within and around, as we stand in the eye of the storm. What a perfect time to let out that cathartic release and SCREAM!”