Album Review

Yellow Ostrich – Cosmos

• 5th May 2014

Yellow Ostrich may be a new name in the UK, but Cosmos is actually the Brooklyn based quartet’s third album. This one gets its title from a TV series by astronomer Carl Sagan, and although some of the lyrics have a clear space theme, the music is much more atmospheric than spacey. There are plenty of electronic effects but also some lovely guitar work and the lush vocal harmonies on display are a real highlight of many tracks.

Engineered by Beau Sorenson (Death Cab for Cutie, Superchunk, Sparklehorse) and mixed by Paul Kolderie (Radiohead, Pixies, Dinosaur Jr.), this album has a complex and multi layered sound, although the soft vocals are always crystal clear in the mix. The range of electronic effects used at times is wide, but the sound retains a crisp feel throughout, never becoming muddy.

The opening tract Terrors has an unusual syncopated drum sound, which also features to good effect on other tracks. Lyricist and vocalist Alex Schaaf has an unusual tone to his voice, high pitched yet not thin, and he uses it well to impart meaning to some interesting lyrics, especially in the space themes songs. My Moons, You Are The Stars and In The Dark all have an ethereal air to them, the latter relating to the journey of a spacecraft heading out of the solar system.

The single Neon Fists sees Schaff seeking answers in a poignant track that shimmers as the electronic beat backs emotional vocals. How Do You Do It has a joyful feel and a massive chorus, while Shades is the closest to a rock song on the album, with a faster tempo and featuring some fine lead guitar work. The closing Don’t Be Afraid starts slowly, the vocals over an acoustic melody. It feels like it is about to burst into life and although an organ adds to the tone, the explosion never comes. Instead it meanders along, ending the album on a slightly wistful, yet also hopeful, note.

There is a vast scope to some of the songs on Cosmos and a sweeping grandeur to the sound that captures the cosmic theme very well. But there are also several good indie rock songs that anchor the album so that it never feels pretentious. It has an experimental feel in places, but also a coherent feeling and at times it is quite hypnotic. Yellow Ostrich have produced an intriguing album, and one of some quality too.

Venue: Cosmos
Support Band: Barsuk Records