Press

“It’s unpretentious, catchy, and solid 1960s folk.”
– Achim Hennes

Full translation from German:
The four-piece band’s debut album was released in 1989, and shortly thereafter, they parted ways. Only drummer Kevin Jarvis remained faithful to the music, but they remained in contact. So, after 36 years, a follow-up album has been recorded in Jarvis’s studio. It’s unpretentious, catchy, and solid 1960s folk.

Website: Folker.World

“An album that is quietly engaging…a listening experience that is pleasing and relaxed.”
– Paul McGee

Website: Lonesome Highway

“Fan[s] of slightly-dreamy, R.E.M.-influenced folk/pop/college rock…will be delighted.”
– Jeremy Searle

Website: RnR Magazine

“What a nice folk pop record, not only because of the exquisite songs and beautiful, subtle instrumentation, but also because of the beautiful vocals of frontwoman Kate Oser.”

Website: Heaven

“Thirty-seven years in the making, ‘Windmills on the Moon’ by The Riflebirds of Portland is a record that has been well worth the wait.”

Website: Folk/Tumble

“In 2025, the group presents new and courageous music. If the scandals and lies are getting to be a bit much, Windmills On The Moon is the perfect antidote.”

Website: Real Roots Cafe

4.5/5 stars at Keys & Chords Muziek Magazine.

Website: Keys and Chords Magazine

“A fine folk-pop album, not only because of the excellent songs and beautiful, subtle instrumentation, but also because of the beautiful vocals of frontwoman Kate Oser.” – Dutch music magazine Heaven in their September-October print issue.

Website: Facebook Page

“Well worth a tilt””

Website: Fatea Magazine

“An album that reaches out from a different era and absolutely nails the responsibility of the modern point of view. A sincere welcome back to all involved in making The Riflebirds Of Portland appear once more…”

Website: Liverpoolsoundandvision.co.uk/

Beautiful vocal harmonies that support Kate Oser’s voice, ringing guitars in the best West Coast tradition, and positive and engaging songwriting form the foundations of the album’s ten songs, introduced by “Sometime Somewhere” that immediately sets the stage for the harmonic development of “Windmills On The Moon…”

Website: Planetcountry.it

“Folk at its heart, with the odd nod towards a happy, trippy 60s vibe…”

Website: Americana-uk.com

“Enduring scents of an indescribable West Coast spirit…”

Website: Parismove.com

THE RIFLEBIRDS OF PORTLAND were originally called The Riflebirds. Marvin Etzioni (founding member of Lone Justice) produced their debut album April (available only on cassette). The single “Pieces of Time” was immediately included on the highly coveted CMJ (College Music Journal) CD. Columbia Records expressed interest.

Before things could move forward, The Riflebirds broke up. Since 1992, their drummer Kevin Jarvis has worked with Brian Wilson, Lucinda Williams, Elvis Costello and many more. He is also an engineer/mixer and owner of The Sonic Boom Room where the album was recorded and mixed. Chief songwriter and bassist Lee Oser became a professor of English literature and an author. Singer Kate Oser became a children’s librarian. Lead guitarist Kevin Kraft became a software tester in Silicon Valley.

The original band got back together with Etzioni back in the producer chair. Since there is another band from Australia called The Riflebirds, a name change was needed. The band chose The Riflebirds of Portland because Portland, Oregon is where they started. The forthcoming album Windmills on the Moon, on Regional Records, will be available on Vinyl, CD and all digital platforms in 2025. The front cover artwork is by Edward Hopper. The first single “Sometime Somewhere” was released February 28th. The album was mastered at Abbey Road Studios in London by Sean Magee.

Website: Recordcollectornews.com