The debut album by Amateur Ornithologist.

Written by Daniel J Clifford

Produced by Harbourmaster at Harbourmaster Productions South Shields

Vocals and synths by Daniel J Clifford
Guitars, bass and handclaps by Harbourmaster
Drums and percussion by Matt Hardy
Additional synth on Track 2 by Matt Hardy
Brass by Lee Morris

Drums on Tracks 2, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 10 recorded by Matt Hardy at South Base Studio.
Drums on Tracks 1, 3 and 9 recorded by Oliver Baldwin at J&J Studio.

A Labyrinth

Venetian Blinds is a kitchen-sink drama against a viola-led folk horror soundtrack.

Hide

Venetian Blinds

The Word is Love deals with deceivingly simple matters of the heart to an acoustic Latin backdrop with call-and-response vocals.

The Word is Love

The Word Is Love

Forgotten Schemes sees dreamy synths float around a psychedelic waltz.

Forgotten Schemes

A slice of gothic post-punk about the Cottingley Fairies.

If It Looks Like Magic

I Won't Be Waiting

Time To Talk charts the difficulties of modern communication, reflected in sharp key and time signature changes, jerky rhythms and squealing sax.

Time To Talk

Synth-soaked darkness, rattling rhythms and high harmonies.

The Anatomy Lesson

A Hidden Path squeezes field recordings, orchestral folk, and art rock into its 4 minute run-time.

A Hidden Path

When They Fall

Amateur Ornithologist are a weird pop group from North East England. Starting as Daniel Clifford’s solo project, AO has grown to perform as anything from a five-piece to an octet.

The band have earned comparisons to Talking Heads, The Beach Boys and local heroes Field Music due to their adventurous approach to densely-layered, harmony-filled pop.

The band’s neurodivergent members have found a home for their musical expressions; fusing pop, orchestral, jazz and rock influences to create a grand melodic sound.

AO launched their 2nd album, Building the Bird, in 2022 with a sold-out live debut, playing more packed-out and acclaimed shows throughout 2023 while developing 3rd album Hide. They were runners-up at the Radio Wigwam Awards 2022, and have received support from BBC Introducing, Amazing Radio, NARC and a host of radio stations and blogs.

Band
Daniel Clifford - vocals
Liam Slack - keys, vocals
Madeleine Smyth - viola, vocals
Chris Perriman - bass
Louis Young - guitars
Rob Bailey - saxophones

Amateur Ornithologist

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