| Ume |
| Written by Bryan Smith | |
 UMESunshower Hulga Records (Release Date: 2/24/09) Once dropped from a Cat Power bill for being “too hard,” Ume (pronounced ooo-may) brings with its newest effort a more subdued and radio-ready sound. Combine one part Hole, a dash of Blonde Redhead, and just a pinch from a soundtrack for the latest teen drama and you've got Sunshower, Ume's newly released EP. With this addition to their catalogue, the Austin-based trio, well known for their wildly energetic live shows, seem to be flirting with the mainstream. Ume is a traditionally punk rock band making its foray into pop music. And if loving that about them is wrong, who would want to be right? Less gritty than their 2005 release, Urgent Sea, Sunshower presents five first-rate tracks with vocals that, for the most part, blend seamlessly with the instrumentals rather than overpower them. One of the EP’s highlights is found in the title track “Sunshower.” Guitarist/vocalist Lauren Larson, a small blonde whose powerful voice could hold its own against the Karen Os of the world, starts out hauntingly soft and with the help of Eric Larson (bass/husband) and Jeff Barrera (drums), brings the song to an impressive crescendo that will find even the harshest critic bobbing their head. After taking some time off after their last album (the acrobatic guitarist needed time to finish her graduate degree), Ume is back and better than ever with an impressive EP that will surely garner them success beyond the Austin indie scene. The Sunshower EP is an appetizing taste of what will hopefully soon follow from this dynamic trio. |
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