Yellow Ostrich have recently released a new album entitled Strange Lands. A lot has changed since their last release, 2011’s The Mistress. The most dramatic of these changes is that Alex Schaaf is now joined by two bandmates, Michael Tapper (on drums) and Jon Natchez (who plays a variety of instruments allegedly including eleven different types of horns). This creation of a full band sees Yellow Ostrich develop from a one-man bedroom project into a more dynamic indie rock outfit. There are still quirky touches but on the whole the record is more straightforward, guitar driven. This is certainly no bad thing. I can guarantee that after several listens feet will be tapped and choruses will be hummed. It’s certainly a bold move to change a successful template, though fans of the previous material are still likely to find most of the aspects that first drew them to the band. It may however attract a whole new legion of followers, certainly fans of bands like Tokyo Police Club and Born Ruffians will find something here to their taste.
Buy the album now from Barsuk Records or the band themselves, and if you’re unfamiliar with Yellow Ostrich’s previous work, check out their bandcamp page.