Oso is a bear. Oso is a family affair. They make classic folk rock set
in a modern scene with lush harmonies and danceable rhythms.
Mr. Michael Schaller leads the group, with a mellow tone and tunes that go down like grilled cheese and tomato soup. Mr. Gordon lays the butter on the upright bass while Mr. Steve Schaller adds seasoning in just the right places. Ms. Mandy, the newest Schaller to join the group, adds a little sultry-sweet, and Mr. Josh Fullam drives the band with classic party beats.
The band is currently in the studio working on their second record. While
the first record was mostly a creation inspired by Michael's 3 year journey to the west coast, the new songs were written
and are performed more collaboratively . The
sound is characterized by strong vocal harmonies, dancing basslines,
folk instrumentation and sparse arrangements.
Here's what some people had to say about the first album, "The Bellringer"...
“The Bellringer has a distinct California flavor. There’s a mesh of funk and reggae à la Sublime, but with heavy emphasis on vocal harmonies and deceptively simple chord and key changes. Rollicking melodies and groovy bass lines, accompanied by Schaller’s distinct vocal stylings, permeate the album, while lyrics tend to gravitate toward the stereotypical indulgent Los Angeles lifestyle."
- Philadelphia Weekly (May 2009)
"They may be called Oso (which means “bear” in Spanish), but it doesn’t make them as fierce as a grizzly. If anything, their sound is as chill as a polar bear. The band combines funky fresh beats with smooth roots rock that could solicit mass ear appeal."
-The Deli Magazine (May 2009)
"Oso melds the funky quirkiness of bands like CAKE, with the neo punk meets hippie jams of acts like Fishbone and Sublime, and then inserts some all out weirdness ala' the Butthole Surfers. This Philly band has more of a west coast surfer feel, but has the musical ability, and a certain catchiness to their lyrics that they will be able to make music fans of all genres take notice."
-Y-Rock on WXPN (June 2009)
" Philadelphia rock quartet Oso have come up with a great debut release that incorporates a blend of reggae, funk and indie rock with a nice dose of instrumental noodling. With too much songwriting depth to be considered just another jam-band, Oso presents music that is instantly listenable, with hooks that stay in your head long after the disc has ended. Strong compositions and vocals from frontman Mike Schaller carry the day here, with some making comparisons between this band and Sublime, Cake or Radiohead. With ten tracks that flow together seamlessly, "The Bellringer" is a great debut album from this promising young act - and one that will no doubt leave the listener longing for their follow-up."
-West Chester Daily Local (June 2009)
"On their debut full-length effort entitled The Bellringer, the Philadelphia rock quartet Oso have produced a pleasing blend of reggae, funk and indie rock with just a hint of West Coast punk sensibilities and jam band noodling. Things get most interesting on both the introspective closing track "The Final Call," which sounds as if a '70s folk musician was tinkering in Radiohead's studio, as well as the more rocking "Checkmate," which speeds along at a nice clip before it erupts into a symphonic, sonic jam by the end of the song. All in all, Oso's The Bellringer is a fine album from a new and promising young act - and one that will no doubt help jump start your next backyard bash this summer. "
-Concert Livewire (July 2009)