Yellow Ostrich

I got hold of a bunch of Yellow Ostrich releases during a bandcamp window-shopping spree, but am currently most familiar with his latest output, Wild Comfort (an LP) and Whalemary (a digitally released double A-side). On these two records, Alex Schaaf, who I am assuming must be in his early twenties and operating entirely from within his own creative sphere, demonstrates an incredible (and for a fellow ‘bedroom artist’ such as myself, enviable) sense of maturity, ingenuity and class.

The Yellow Ostrich sound borrows from psychadelia and folk-pop in some areas, and indie electronica in others, merging retro synths, thumping drums, searing electric guitars and – a key stylistic trait – beautiful swells of looped vocals, presented in a subtly lo-fi package which fits perfectly with Schaaf’s tender voice and heartfelt lyrics about nature, adventure and teenage love.

Not only is Schaaf clearly comfortable and versatile within music production (I’m tempted to call him prolific – he’s also a member of The Chairs and has therefore contributed to at least 9 records in the last 3 years) but he appears to have embraced the liberty that releasing music independently – particularly through the internet – can offer. Yellow Ostrich is truly a hidden treasure.

All music is available for free through bandcamp, and you can also check out the myspace page.