Amateur Ornithologist are one of the most exciting and inventive groups in the North East music scene; experimenting with a mix of orchestral and rock instruments to create their own brand of “weird pop”.
The ensemble’s prolific output (four albums in five years!) has seen them compared to Black Country New Road, The Divine Comedy and XTC thanks to an artful and meticulous approach to layered pop music.
Crafting captivating songs inspired by the everyday uncanny of neurodivergent lives and Victorian weird fiction, Amateur Ornithologist channel these into enchanting and theatrical live shows.
Amateur Ornithologist have sold-out a string of North East dates, were chosen to play Durham Brass Festival 2025 with a hand-picked horn section, been featured in Fortean Times, Electronic Sound and on the cover of NARC Magazine, had videos screened at film festivals, and played Marrapalooza, Last Train Home and Summer Streets Festivals.
Image credit - Elli Cartwright Photography
Bursting into life with fluid bass, incessant drumbeat and chiming guitars. An anthem to pareidolia, the musical foundation of the song is constantly shifting - with verses veering from jangling acoustic guitars to stomping Northern Soul rhythms, to stop-
start punk jerkiness. This Uncanny Podcast/TV show parody was directed by Jenny Rohde and Ryan Ogden.
A miniature gothic opera and sets the tone for the album from foreboding string introduction to layered spoken word exorcism and its final dissonant chord. Directed by Chris J Allan, the video is a feast of classic horror film references.
Sprightly strings, new wave guitars, melodic bass, growling synths, pounding drums and a breezy melody make this AO's poppiest song to date - but one with a noise section. Directed by Graham Williamson, utilising collage and montage techniques.
A Christmas single looking back at a childhood sledging trip. Directed by Andy Simpson. Animation by Andy Simpson and Emma Black, with miniature costumes by Emma Black.
This song is about the enduring legacy of the Cottingley Fairies hoax/art experiment by Elsie Wright, Frances Griffiths and their family. Directed by Graham Williamson. From the album, Hide.
A song dedicated to the memory of my Nanna, the video highlights locations important to our relationship. Directed by Daniel Clifford and Jenny Rohde. From the album, Building the Bird.
See Amateur Ornithologist perform live at one of these shows.
Cliffe Park, Sunderland
We're playing on the main stage of Summer Streets at 3:30pm on Saturday 4th July.
FREE
Cliffe Park, Sunderland
Venue TBA
A free exclusive show for mailing list subscribers to filming a special performance of our favourite AO songs.
FREE
Venue TBA