Supersonic Glow
Fairweather Friend - The Umbrellas (Newer Music Friday)
The Umbrellas have perfected their sound with their latest album Fairweather Friend, a great collection of songs that cement them as having a permanent place in my heart. They sound vintage yet modern, relentless yet precise, energetic yet laid-back, creating a unique charm that makes them the type of band I think everyone can get something they like out of.
An element that can make or break an album is the opening song. In the case of Fairweather Friend, the first track “Three Cheers!” is a fantastic opening, one that I almost didn’t want to click away from. “Three Cheers!” is like a Smiths song that you’d actually want to dance to, gloomy overtones combining with an uptempo jam that won’t leave your mind soon. This tune displays how The Umbrellas blend together so well, especially when it comes to the rhythm section. Those drums and that bass are workin’ HARD! The octave harmonies that are used in the chorus are simple yet effective in this situation, creating a sweet lift to a heavier vocal style. Combine all that with a crooner-esque bridge and layered vocal ending, and you’ve got a kicker of an opening worthy of an album like Fairweather Friend!
The second track, “Goodbye”, was a green flag for me from the beginning, mostly because I’m a sucker for a song that utilizes “ba-buh-ba-buh-ba” vocals in any sort of way. However, that’s not the only reason to love this tune. Not to only focus on the vocals, but the way that “goodbye/so long/farewell” is sung in the chorus is something I just can’t get over. It’s something that could’ve been easily double-tracked, but by leaving it alone, it creates this sort of vulnerability that displays what might happen in a real situation of saying goodbye. Plus, this vulnerability is important to have when it’s weighed against the rest of the instrumental, which leans towards the heavy and quick. The tune ends with a classic acoustic guitar + vocal strip-down, ramping back up to end with a strong finish. That is, until you hit the rewind button!
“Games” is another standout from the album, standing proudly at track six. The melody is reminiscent of a classic girl-group formula, even supported by backing that echoes the lead lyrics and adds a couple “la-las” for good measure. The drums completely crush it in this song, going and going and going and going and going and you get the point. The guitar gets a fuzzy solo towards the end, cracking and bending within an inch of its life. This song is full-out all the way, a highlight that shows just how crazy awesome The Umbrellas can be.
Right after that comes “Gone”, a tune with a guitar song that reminds me a lot of The Clash when they get introspective. This one is really satisfying to listen to with headphones, as the beginning starts on one side then explodes into both ears with a supersonic glow that’s unmatchable. The verses are passed around like a hot potato, occasionally coming together for an ethereal harmony. “Gone” utilizes one of my favorite musical conventions, with full-stop moments (save the drums) adding a cool effect to an already cool song. Speaking of cool effects, I always love when a guitar has a moment that makes me think my speakers are frying. Adds to the magic!
The last track of an album is just as important as the first one. This is the last chance to make a big impression, to write a song that’ll make people want to come back! Well, ladies and gentlemen, I can confidently say that The Umbrellas have created the ultimate closer with “P.M.”, a song that’ll bring you up and down and up and down again in only three minutes and fifty six seconds flat. Big shoutout to the sleigh bells in the beginning, but the big part of the song I loved was the sound of the keyboard. This is what brings you up and down — the effect on it makes it sound like you’re ascending to heaven. Plus those beautiful backing harmonies?! I mean dude, I feel like I’m hearing angels. Then you’re grounded by a heavier sound, but those harmonies are still there so you’re basically fighting against it?! I don’t know about you, but these conflicting effects are the ingredients to a rockin’ song for me.
The Umbrellas have blessed the world with Fairweather Friend, an album that displays camaraderie in the form of a band that lets each aspect shine equally bright. This is an album that is equally as effective when you’re alone as it is with your friends, with songs that’ll keep you company in your sad times or act as a great background to your happy times, and that versatility is something that’s not easy to achieve. Did we really expect anything less?
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Love what I’m hearing so far. Adding to my playlist for weekend listening 😁