B-Side Guys

Stripped back doesn’t mean stripped away. This distinction becomes immediately apparent in East London’s Ormella’s latest single, where the absence of her previous band Takk’s atmospheric layers reveals something more profound—the raw architecture of exceptional songwriting.

“The Lamb and The Shepherd” marks a pivotal moment for this classically trained multi-instrumentalist, serving as both the lead single from her forthcoming EP and an unexpected bridge between musical and cinematic storytelling as the theme for upcoming short film Waiting Room. Under Grammy-winning producer Katie May’s guidance, the track achieves that rare balance between technical precision and emotional immediacy.

The biblical imagery suggested by the title creates an initial framework, but Ormella subverts expectations by exploring mortality through secular, deeply human terms. Her meditation on “what we leave behind” transforms potentially heavy subject matter into something surprisingly luminous. Rather than dwelling in grief’s shadows, she illuminates the subtle persistence of departed souls in the lives of those who remain.

Vocally, Ormella occupies a fascinating middle ground between her self-proclaimed influences. There’s Mitchell’s conversational phrasing, Welch’s dramatic dynamic range, McVie’s melodic instinct, and Apple’s unflinching emotional authenticity—yet the voice remains distinctly her own, particularly in passages where her classical training enables tonal control that amplifies rather than diminishes vulnerability.

What distinguishes this track from typical indie-folk offerings is its architectural patience. The arrangement unfolds gradually, introducing instrumental elements with deliberate restraint. This approach creates emotional topography across the song’s duration—valleys of sparse accompaniment that make the eventual peaks more impactful.

The production choices complement this restraint, with May wisely positioning Ormella’s voice front and center while creating acoustic space that mimics the contemplative nature of the lyrics. This sonic environment transforms the listening experience into something almost confessional, as if we’re being invited into a private moment of reflection rather than a polished performance.

“The Lamb and The Shepherd” suggests Ormella’s transition from band member to solo artist isn’t merely a change in attribution but a fundamental shift in artistic approach—one that prioritizes intimate connection over atmospheric impression and finds universal resonance in deeply personal narrative.