The Umbrellas - Fairweather Friend (Slumberland Records)(2024)(CD)

 

There seems to be some really nice guitar pop music being made in the San Francisco Bay Area. The Umbrellas (along with Chime School) have been releasing some great jangly pop. The Umbrellas have two singers: Morgan Alice and Matt Ferrara. I love her vocals and his vocals need a bit more getting used to. It is not that Matt Ferrara's vocals are bad but on some songs his singing style is more of a "talking-style"(?) A deep monotone voice. It is hard for me to describe but on some songs his delivery detracts a little from the great music. When he does actually "sing", the results are fine. Overall, a good record and certainly worth buying. Jangle-pop is not lost! The Umbrellas still wave the flag proudly.

For a taste, check out Goodbye or Echoes 

Chime School - The Boy Who Ran The Paisley Hotel (Slumberland Records)(CD)(2024)

Wow, what an amazing record! Chime School is the work of Andy Pastalaniec. Andy wrote, performed, recorded, and produced every song on this record except for one song that is co-written. Chime School is classified as a jangle-pop band and they fit that label to a T. The songs are little slices of pop masterpieces. Melody reeks out of every pour of this record. The first time I heard this album, it just grabbed me. If you like melodic, jangle-pop or indie-pop music, then I think it is going to be hard to beat this album. I am totally impressed. 

Check out Wandering Song or that killer guitar line of Say Hello.