![Friend in good times Umbrellas - Fairweather's Friend](https://musicindustry.news/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ALBUM-REVIEW-The-Umbrellas-Fairweather-Friend.jpg)
![Friend in good times Umbrellas - Fairweather's Friend](https://musicindustry.news/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ALBUM-REVIEW-The-Umbrellas-Fairweather-Friend.jpg)
San Francisco Bay Area indie-pop outfit The Umbrellas release their sophomore album, Fairweather Friend, hot on the heels of their 2021 self-titled debut.
The Umbrellas, made up of Matt Ferrera (vocals, guitar), Nick Oka (bass), Keith Frerichs (drums) and the fortuitously discovered Morgan Stanley, whom Oka stumbled upon singing karaoke at a party, found their roots in 2018. Oka notes : “We all love serious pop songs. I guess we got to a point where we wanted to be genuine.”
While their debut album showcased the band's pristine innocence, Friend in good times is a testament to the emotional and musical evolution of The Umbrellas. The album, comprising ten tracks, begins with the jangly tune “Three Cheers,” with a light, uplifting rhythm enriched by the moody exaltation of Ferrera and Stanley's antiphonal vocals.
Highlights abound, with “Goodbye” featuring Stanley's enchanting tones and sparkling harmonies. The bright chorus provides a lovely change, allowing Stanley to show off the delicate silkiness of his expansive voice, shadowed by lovely, melancholy tendrils.
The song “Echoes” evokes hints of The Cranberries intertwined with echoes of Kate Bush, with a rolling bassline and refined percussion enhancing the dreamy rhythm, while shimmering guitars provide iridescent accents.
“Games,” steeped in '60s Motown resonance, exudes surf-pop flavors reminiscent of Annette Funicello. One of my favorites, “Gone”, hums elements of shoegaze and jangly indie-pop, creating a melody full of fascinating vitality. The band shares, “'Gone' is about feeling stuck in trivial matters and seeking escapism to cope, even if you don't yet know what you're looking for or what will help you.”
Standout “When You Find Out” captivates with its bright, jangly, upbeat vibes, possibly earning it the title of best song on the album. Stanley's bright, chrome vocals add vibrant, shimmering colors to this opulent gem of an album, polished to a high shine.
Friend in good times showcases The Umbrellas at their best, reflecting growth, sophistication and a captivating musical journey. Oh, la la!
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