Ume – Sunshower EP

Ume’s five-song EP opens with an explosion of loud guitars and ends virtually in the same matter. In between you get a back and forth arrangement that recalls late ’80s Sonic Youth and the early ’90s noise rock influence of Nirvana and Hole. Is there a problem with this? Not at all, because Ume is not merely imitating that era, instead they have created a collage of music as original and heart pounding as any of those bands. The Sunshower EP is dark, angry, sexy, and most importantly it’s beautiful.

Looking at the Austin trio one wouldn’t suspect that this sound would emit from them. The perception actually generates from guitarist/vocalist Lauren Larson whose petite blonde stature would make you believe she’s an acoustic folk singer as opposed to fronting a rage inciting rock band. However given the scope found on this release, the contrast is quite fitting.

The vocals through the five tracks range from seductive to violent, and this isn’t better displayed than on the title track, “Sunshower.” After the initial fury of the opener “East of Hercules,” the song begins calmly with Mrs. Larson’s quiet lullabic serenading. It can almost be called peaceful until the chorus kicks in and everything gets turned up with Larson yelling, “She moves in strange ways/ You’ll never be lucky.” It utilizes the construction that is often associated as the Nirvana-sound of quiet verse/extra-loud chorus.

Following that, “The Conductor” once again moves the EP to a faster tempo with drummer Jeff Barrera and bassist (also husband to Lauren) Eric Larson offering up great performances that via for equal billing along side their bandmate’s frantic guitar. “The Means” is the most lyric heavy song, relying on Larson’s vocals more than any other track. Much like “Sunshower,” those vocals lie mostly on the alluring timid side at the beginning but slowly build to a growl.

By the time you get to the closing track “Pendulum,” it’s evident the EP itself swings back and forth from one end of the spectrum to the other. This closing song again hits the top of the rollercoaster and barrels into a faster spiral. My only complaint is that there isn’t one more song to balance out the scales of loud and soft (err… maybe “not so loud” is a better description than soft). But that is just my nitpicking and desire to hear more from Ume.
Does noise rock need a savior? Not really. Especially with its elders Sonic Youth and My Bloody Valentine gearing up for what should be a big year for them both. Yet, it is very assuring to see there are still young bands that aren’t afraid to turn up their guitars and feverishly thrash their heads in rebellion. Even greater comfort comes in knowing that a band like Ume can turn up the guitar and turn out a masterful five songs that paint a wondrous landscape of colorful noise.

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Tagged as: alt-rock, Austin, Noise Rock, Texas

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