Desert Kites’ “Ostrich” Turns Dark Despair Into Alt Rock Gold
Alt-rock explorers Desert Kites channel raw frustration and restless apathy into their new single, “Ostrich (Sleep Until I’m Dead).” With jagged riffs, pulsing rhythms, and an instantly addictive chorus, the track taps into the collective exhaustion of a world that feels apocalyptic, where tuning out sometimes feels like the only option.
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Frontman Shaleph O’Neill delivers lyrics that capture the urge to retreat from chaos, lines like “I just wanna sleep until I’m dead” and “Armageddon’s getting closer, so wake me when it’s over” strike a hauntingly relatable chord. References to cultural outsiders like Howard Hughes, Brian Wilson, and Bobby Fischer deepen the theme of hiding away from an unbearable reality.
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Fueled by a sound that recalls Webbed Wing, Weezer, and Feeder, “Ostrich” blends dark humor, social commentary, and soaring alternative hooks into an indie rock statement that lingers. It’s a song for anyone who has ever felt paralyzed by the weight of the world, but still craves the catharsis of turning it up loud.
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Biography
Desert Kites, hailing from Dundee, is an alternative rock band that intricately weaves together the sonic influences of 90s grunge and indie rock. Their musical palette also incorporates hints of shoegaze and pays homage to the timeless sounds of classic and prog rock. The essence of their songs mirrors the diverse tapestry of life – sometimes brimming with anger, other times soaked in sadness, and occasionally draped in indifference, yet consistently poetic.
Opting for imagery over a linear narrative, Desert Kites crafts lyrical montages that offer unique perspectives into the human experience. These poetic expressions are skillfully woven into solid melodic structures, creating a distinctive musical identity.
Born out of the tumultuous period of lockdown in 2020, Desert Kites emerged when singer/songwriter and guitarist Shaleph O’Neill (known for his contributions to Nonstopcamels, Pigpen, Think Tank, and The Zephyrs) rediscovered his passion for the guitar after a hiatus of almost two decades. Seeking refuge from the challenges of home life during the pandemic, Shaleph embarked on solitary rehearsals at the S2K studios in Dundee.
As lockdown restrictions eased, Shaleph enlisted the talents of drummer Michael Szeremet (formerly of Blackjacket, Frown, and Boy Afraid). Their collaboration, coupled with the engineering and bass guitar expertise of Stuart Hanna, marked the genesis of Desert Kites. The journey commenced with the recording of their debut single, "Coming Home to You," in the autumn of 2021. Desert Kites encapsulates a revitalized musical spirit, born from the challenges of the times, and promises a unique blend of emotive storytelling within a framework of captivating melodies.
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