DOWNLOAD THEN SEE: Ume

Photo from Ume's website

Ume is based in Austin but you might think they hail from an English factory town. They traffic in a sound that fits rather nicely in the midst of the current revival of all things '90s the music world is currently in the throes of. They're particular specialty is crafting big guitar songs that are equal part shoegaze and frenetic shredding and tops it off with floating, sweet female vocals. This is definitely band brought up on equal parts 4AD and alt-guitar majesty, and while some could fumble that mixture Ume pulls off the trick of making it all their own. Their sophomore album Phantoms carries a familiar feel to it and its easy to fall prey to its charms as the songs blend together in one furious, churning wash.

if you already have plans tonight, cancel them and head over to Beat Kitchen to catch this power trio in action. With a noise this big they won't be playing small rooms for long.

MP3: Ume "Captive"

Ume plays tonight, September 15, at Beat Kitchen, 2100 W Belmont, 8 p.m., $10, 17+