WHALE – Yellow Ostrich WHALE – Yellow Ostrich (Free Download / Buy)

Like a well-oiled creativity machine, Alex Schaff has stocked the Yellow Ostrich BandCamp with yet another great set of songs known as The Mistress LP.

Alex’s style seems simplistic but is peppered with intricacies. These small details make the songs flow seamlessly into each other, building on the variations of a cappella background vocals and lead harmonies. “WHALE” and “Campaign” are two irresistibly rhythmic tracks that are models for just how delicate Alex’s touch can be when it comes to blending musical elements.

Even when he decides to add heavier substance to other vocal-focused tracks using guitars and percussion, he is never once heavy-handed. For one of the tracks, “Hahahaohhoho”, the title is actually phonetic and based on the single-syllable lyrics that make up the song. This emphasis really speaks to how appreciated the vocals are within the richly layered soundscape.

Especially considering it’s the holiday season, I implore you to throw Alex some money for his name-your-price album. His imaginative efforts as Yellow Ostrich definitely deserve it! And get ready to start the new year off right with a few NYC gigs this January, featuring live accompaniment by Michael Tapper.