EP Review: Oh, Flamingo! Don't forget the ',' and the '!'

Took a photo of the CD, right after picking it up from the counter at Satchmi. 

Rating: 4 Stars

Label: Wide Eyed Records 

As a couple, Paul and I influence each other in music and with a 6 year difference in our ages, the music that we share is very diverse and transcends decades. 

When it comes to discovering new music, and/or new bands/artists to follow it can be either one of us who recommends it to the other. Now, in the case of four-piece Indie Rock band "Oh, Flamingo!" 

it was Paul who was the initial fan; he would crank up the volume of the car stereo whenever the bands song "Two Feet" would play on Jam 88.3.

Howard Luistro of Oh, Flamingo! performing during Satchmi's Vinyl Day. 

Pretty Soon, we were both singing the song (with harmonies) and Paul would even play the beat of the drums on the steering wheel and now we are officially Oh, Flamingo! fans. 

I've been planning to get a copy of their EP for some time now, which is why I was really happy when I saw that it was being sold at Satchmi; I got a copy-no questions asked! For P250.00 with five tracks in the EP, I would say that it it's P250.00 well spent. There is no song that you 'skip' as you play the CD, because every song is a worthwhile listen with it's fresh Indie-Rock sound, unpredictable transitions and infectious harmonies. 

As winners of the coveted Wanderland band title, even beating out personal favorite Iligan-based Loop, Oh, Flamingo! Is making their own brand of noise, proving that despite having a few original songs under their belt, it is their unique charm and music that endears their fans and followers to them. 

The EP opens with 'Inconsistensies' which gives audiences a preview of the treat that they are in, the simple guitar riffs make way for more complicated ones, executed only by mastering the perfect timing. The radio friendly 'Two Feet' showcase the quartet's strengths, which are off the books music styles, which focus more on finding their own style, rather than ripping off other bands. The EP ends with the fun and fresh track 'June' which transcends to a Carribeanesque like song, you wouldn't see coming.

Bassist Billie Dela Paz. Plus points if you can you see her shout out to Howard in the photo? 

The lyrics are well written, no clichéd lyrics where in you can predict what word comes next or the ones that make you want to throw up as to how they cheesy they are. Nope, you won't find any of those with Oh, Flamingo! Their lyrics almost have a poem like quality, painting imagery which best compliments the well arranged songs. 

Howard Luistro's vocals make him sound older than he actually is. The strength of his laid back singing is knowing when to give and when to take. There is no overbearing 'birit' but a casual control, experienced musicians take years to master. 

It seems that the self titled EP is not an experiment as to finding out who they are or what their sound is. Rather, it is a loud testament of what Oh, Flamingo! is all about. From the intended use of punctuation marks in their name (don't forget the ',' and the '!') to their no-nonsense, no make up, yet super fun and 'kulit' album cover. Oh, Flamingo! is a refreshing promise to bigger things in the indie scene. 

Rating: 4 Stars (out of 5) 

*will start rating album and EP reviews* :) 

You can get physical copies of their EP at the following: 

Satchmi (SM Megamall) 

Team Manila Stores

The Four Strings (Cubao Expo)