Scott Windsor, the head honcho of Umbrellas, was also the man behind The Lyndsay Diaries. If you’re familiar with TLD, you’ll know the project was full of fraught and tender acoustic strummings; if that band didn’t pull at your heartstrings, you really need to check your pulse. Windsor’s vocals were often broken and heart-rendering and this is a trait continued in Umbrellas. There are subtle differences, but the two bands aren’t wholly different. If anything, the vocal tricks remain the same, it’s just the way the songs are approached – and obviously the introduction of a full band – that separate them.
As I listened to ‘Illuminare’, I was reminded of Copeland on a musical level. While opening track ‘Boston White’ is quite a januty little effort, after that there is a very fragile feel to the songs. In a similar way to how Aaron Marsh manages to attract a listener’s attention, Mr Windsor has a similar pull. The guitars are strong and lush in the background, yet it’s always the vocals which stand out and make you want to listen. In terms of songwriting, ‘Illuminare’ is a stellar release. In terms of the songs, it’s simply good. If you;re a fan of Scott Windsor’s earlier work, check his new band out.
www.myspace.com/umbrellas
paul