Yellow Ostrich

If Animal Collective, Vampire Weekend, and Morning Benders, had a love child and added a shot of whiskey, you would get Yellow Ostrich.  Last night, Schubas do312 proudly celebrated their one year anniversary, and I had the pleasure of being introduced to Yellow Ostrich. A trio comprised of Alex Schaaf, Michael Tapper, Jon Natchez originally from Wisconsin & now relocated to NYC, they were warmly greeted back to the Midwest.

Yellow Ostrich

This being my first introduction to the band I was blown away. They played a bunch of new songs as well as apparent crowd favorites. Judging purely on the songs played, the newer ones show such growth and maturity that I am so happy I was able to jump on the bandwagon no, before they become a household name. The songs are catchy enough to feel familiar even if one has never heard them prior.

Peter Wolf Crier

The mood shifted slightly between their set to the next as Peter Wolf Crier took the stage. I have had the privilege of seeing the duo Peter Pisano and Brian Moen perform several times in the past year and I haven’t missed a single opportunity to do so.  It was great to see them as a headliner after seeing them open the past couple times they have come through Chicago.

Peter Wolf Crier

The amount of passion that comes through in their songs is something that can be heard and felt through both lyrics and their manipulation of sound. Something that could be simple, two dudes, a set of drums, and a guitar, is anything but that. Their ability to create a sound of fullness and completeness is something that if heard on a recording could be assumed was done in studio with multiple layers upon layers, however that is not the case. Their live sound will impress even the biggest of skeptics. I have never seen two musicians with such talent and connection with one another and their instruments as these two men.

Yellow Ostrich

The only negative about these two bands are their lack of upcoming tour dates as of now. Yellow Ostrich has just announced they will playing this years Austin City Limits Festival, so if you are lucky enough to make your way there make sure to check them out sooner rather then later. Until then on their website they have songs for free downloads. Peter Wolf Crier has two upcoming dates announced in July in Minneapolis. While awaiting other dates I recommend checking their music on their website.