The Riflebirds of Portland are back. Their new album, Windmills on the Moon, is now available on Vinyl, CD, and all digital platforms. Produced by Marvin Etzioni, the album features cover art by the legendary Edward Hopper, and the project has been mastered at the iconic Abbey Road Studios in London by Grammy-winning engineer Sean Magee.
“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.”
— Real Roots Café
“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 (September-October 2025)
"Do yourselves a favour and get into this album, it'll be a favourite for life."
— Sean Magee
Mastering engineer at Abbey Road Studios
Listen to "Windmills on the Moon".
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…”
“36 years on, a belated album from a band clearly with unfinished business”.
— Americana UK
A Brief History
The Riflebirds formed in 1985 in Portland, Oregon. The nucleus was bass player Lee Oser and guitarist Kevin Kraft, who played together in The Van Goghs and The Cry! When singer Kate Lieuallen joined them, along with temporary drummer Jeff Minick, The Riflebirds were born.
Minnick was succeeded by Kevin Jarvis. The band’s heyday, from 1985 to 1989, saw the release of two singles and a cassette LP, “April,” produced by Marvin Etzioni. Lee and Kate married in 1988, and soon after moved east.
Lee found a job teaching college, and Kate became a children’s librarian. Kevin Kraft ended up working in Silicon Valley. Kevin Jarvis went on to enjoy a successful career in Los Angeles as a session drummer, engineer, and producer.
The Mermaids, who sing backup on multiple tracks, are Grace Kraft, Branigan Lieuallen, and Briana Oser. Grace is Kevin’s daughter, Branigan is Kate’s niece, and Briana is Lee and Kate’s daughter.
The band regrouped in 2024 as The Riflebirds of Portland.
Musical Timeline
New Video Out Now!
She’s Not Here
From the album “Windmills on the Moon”
Song by Lee Oser & Marvin Etzioni
Lyrics by Lee Oser
Produced by Marvin Etzioni
Engineered by Kevin Jarvis with assistance from Adam Pike