Sibyl
Gold Bolus, 2026
9/10
Sibyl is the duo of the vocalist Chole Holgate and vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Lily Holgate, who together use classical and folk ideas to create 8 sophisticated and gorgeous tracks here.
“Witch Wife” starts with the duo’s vocal inflections making a harmonic and wordless climate of intrigue, and “Down In The Willow Garden” follows with Lily’s warm string plucking that suits the charming duet that emits much beauty.
Halfway through, “The Arrow And The Song” uses mesmerizing violin plus the Holgate’s rich voices that hit every note flawlessly, while “There’s A Certain Slant Of Light” pairs the hypnotic backdrop with soothing and heartfelt singing.
“Afternoon On A Hill” and “I’ll Fly Away” exit the listen. The former carries a poetic quality via the lovely layering of vocals amid the meticulous strings, and the latter is an a cappella moment of perfect pitch and cozy singing.
Included are 6 originals and 2 folk standards, where the sister’s classical training is very much appreciated and the strategic use of violin and viola suits the whistling, wordless vocals and harmony vocals superbly.
Travels well with: The Beverage Station- Little Grey Cells; Dave Ruder- Lil Ol Davy Ru Ru