Optic Yellow Felt first began its journey back in 1997 when the Nader brothers (born in Brazil but raised in the states), moved back to their homeland of Brazil.
Being heavily influenced by the alternative rock scene in the US, songwriting became a natural part of the brothers’ lives.
Optic Yellow Felt was officially formed a few years later when the brothers brought on drummer, Tiago B. They soon decided they should add horns and keys so Ricardo Pires (saxophone) and Nando Morsani (piano) were asked to come along for the ride.
This marked the beginning of oYf as a professional project. They spent 2011 playing important venues and cultural centers throughout Brazil and with their debut album, they aim to expand the reach of their art to international audiences.
Optic Yellow Felt is what would happen if Dave Matthews Band teamed up with Radiohead to release an alternative jazz album.
The range of influences from folk to alternative to jazz come together to form one of the most unique sounding experiences I have enjoyed in quite a while.
Making use of non-traditional [rock] instruments (clarinet, accordion, banjos, mandolins, and pianos) in their form music, oYf has the ability to take listeners down multiple sonic paths at any given moment.
There is never a dull moment in this record.
You can grab Optic Yellow Felt‘s self titled debut from the band’s website.