Umani Sampler by Anymore (Review)

Listening to this 4-song tape immediately reminded me of everything I like about the 4AD label. At several moments, I was easily reminded of Cocteau Twins, everyone’s favorite “ether-bliss-dreampop” band, especially their Heaven and Las Vegas album. The formula is the same, but what a glorious formula it is. Swirling guitars and glittering electronics lead the way, with female vocals weaving in and out. Yeah, all of the usual adjectives apply here, like “ethereal” and “atmospheric.” But this is actually pretty good.

“They Bite” takes a more muted approach, with “rainy-day-grey-sky” electronics over a slow beat. While the vocals are actually legible, as opposed to Liz Frasier’s tongues, they are used quite well.

Some people wonder how music can be both upbeat and melancholy at the same time. They need only listen to this record to understand why. Sure, it’s all swirling and glorious and spaced-out, but all it takes is one subtle chord change or slight melodic twist, underneath all of that beautiful noise, to hit me. I’ve really been looking for some stuff like this, music that can be both upbeat and sad.

Anyone yearning for music that hearkens back to the Twins’ golden days will do themselves well to check this out. Here’s hoping that they put something out and that I get is as soon as they do.