Website © 2005 by Tyler Carey
All Content Creator-Owned
Ume
Urgent Sea
Pretty Active Records, 2005
by Dr. Christian Carey Even before playing the CD, Urgent Sea, a full length from NY avant-rockers Ume, makes a strong impression. Its artwork, filled with shark monsters (with whom the band frolic on the back cover), is vivid, colorful, and scary stuff: much like the band's music. A power trio, comprised of guitarist/vocalist Lauren Langner Larson, bassist/vocalist Eric Larson, and drummer Jeff Barrera, they draw comparisons to a number of experimental outfits: Sonic Youth, Blonde Redhead, and Daughter among them. On songs like "A Maze," "Hurricane," and "Manic," the musical formula remains relatively consistent. Langner Larson weaves undulating, searing guitar lines which dovetail with her visceral, often screamed, vocals. Larson and Barrera match her intensity with heavy, propulsive rhythms. Urgent Sea is relentless in the confrontational and overwhelming character of its songs; this may seem unforgiving at times. Still, Ume's passionate and resolute music-making is well worth the possible side effects listeners may experience: being bowled over, drained, and cathartically renewed.
-June 30, 2005