9/10
Ostrich Bouquet is a psychedelic post-rock melange from Montreal. Their debut EP, On Time, as Usual, was released in November 2017. The seven-track EP is as smooth a listen as you can get, mixing elements of jazz, ambient, and experimental music. If you enjoy the worlds of Tame Impala, Radiohead, and The Beatles, dip into these tunes and space out for a little.
The first track and title track is a creative preface to the EP. Containing a speech given by former Mayor of Montreal Jean Drapeau in which he mentions the title of the album, it makes for a cool title-drop moment. From there the grooves begin with the second song “Empty Streets.” With this song you get your first taste of vocals in the style of Kevin Parker (Tame Impala). With some warm tones and smooth jazz grooves, the track is a super comfortable and relaxing listen. It ends by melting away seamlessly into the next song.
These seamless transitions really help the album flow and carry you through. If you are a fan of the prolific King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, a must-listen for any psychedelic trippers and a band that has really mastered this type of smooth transition (see their album I’m In Your Mind Fuzz as a wicked example), then Ostrich Bouquet will most likely be something you will like as well.
The Ostrich Bouquet trip continues ever so delicately throughout the entire EP with songs like “November 3” and “Could Never Do.” The quality of this recording is crisp and well mixed, leaving you with an end product that has an effect similar to ASRM. These polished sounds are the work of Davide Ventulieri on bass and vocals, Jeremy Bozzo on guitars, Kyle Podwalski on synths and guitars, and Michael Tomizzi on drums.
The quartet delivers an impressive debut effort with this EP. With some ideas heavily rooted in their musical influences, it will be interesting to see the group branch out and develop their sound over time. If it is approached and executed with the finesse and vision of this first release, their next release is sure to be tasty and tight. For now, give these Montreal dudes a listen and track them around the local scene if you like what you hear.
Written by Ben Cornel
*edited by Kate Erickson
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