Illuminare

Umbrellas

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 25, 2006)
• Original Release Date: July 25, 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Militia
• ASIN: B000G7PO08
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #186,745 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Boston Hearld, June 13th, 2006

Heartbreaking but likable pop tunes that’ll lodge in the back of your mind. Download: "Boston White"

Product Description

UMBRELLAS’ ILLUMINARE
(Latin; meaning to light the way or illustrate.)

When Umbrellas’ debut hit the shelves, it was recognized as a dynamic, eager offering. The band toured heavily and new ideas began swimming inside Scott Windsor’s head. Those ideas formed icebergs—and the only option was to dismantle and re-conduct the near-avalanche of visions, abstractions, melodies and structures. Hanging blankets as sound control across the empty, dusty and evocative shell of an old comedy club, Scott and his Umbrellas started tracking their new record Illuminare. They went forth in unsafe, less-than secure scenarios with nearby ‘06 tornados in Oklahoma.

James McAlister (Ester Drang, Sufjan Stevens) played the drums, percussion, programming, and added lively, innovative ideas like sampling Scott’s voice as the keyboard parts for the song "Again and Again". Most of these songs only had one take on vocals—around 80% of the record. Illuminare grapples with notions of solitude, life, death, and the plain old blues. Scott sings of realistic love, infatuation, satisfaction, disappointment, life-balance, the letting-go, appeasement, idealism, and grace—all with a backdrop of blustery fall-out tunes with strange swirls of sound, smatterings of echoes and pulsings, huge bass hammerings and bells to chime the gladness in being right there where one’s supposed to be. Weathering the storms, and taking on the shadows and memories of calmer times and warmer rooms.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Hooks Galore, May 30, 2007

By	Bradley Olin (Santa Cruz, CA United States) - See all my reviews

I was a huge fan of Umbrellas' self-titled debut album. When I heard that they'd released a follow-up, I knew I had to hear it. I was not disappointed in the least. This is a very solid album; each track brings something special to the collection, and sounds crafted by this band are phenomenal. I did a little bit of research and found that James McAlister of Ester Drang/Pedro the Lion joined up with Umbrellas to collaborate on Illuminaire, what a bonus. If you like these guys, definitely check out Ester Drang and Pedro the Lion.

This is a fabulous album to listen to while driving, hanging out, exercising, you name it. I think it's the variation in the songs that makes it so versatile. The songs are also memorable and will have you singing/sighing along with them in no time. I've had it on repeat for a while now and have yet to tire of these songs. A few favorites:
1. Again & Again
2. Angel or Demon
3. Ships
4. Dignified Exit Society

5.0 out of 5 stars Unexpected Find -- Worth A Listen!, February 9, 2007

By	Wayfarer 3 (Tennessee, USA) - See all my reviews

The first time I heard a song by Umbrellas was while I was watching an episode of the tv show "Jericho" -- the song "Ships" was playing as background music during one scene, and it was *gorgeous*! ("Ships" was also recently heard on an episode of "Grey's Anatomy," so someone must be listening!)

I had never heard of this group before, but after that song, I wanted more by Umbrellas, and subsequently got their debut CD and this CD as well. (Hadn't been so jazzed about a group since finding VAST!) All of the Umbrellas' songs have gotten steady play on my iPod, but I have a preference for the songs you'll find on Illuminare. "Ships" is still my favorite, but I also love the catchy "Again and Again," the beauty and longing of "Dignified Exit Society" and the lyrics of "Angel or Demon" always make me smile ... in that song, the singer is trying to figure out if the girl he's just met will be one to keep, or one to beware of ... and we've all been in a situation like that at some point!

Like the previous reviewer, I'm surprised that more people haven't posted here about Umbrellas -- I found them to be very talented, and Scott Windsor's vocals are raw and compelling, and often hypnotic. Don't be surprised to find yourself listening to the songs on "Illuminare" (and their earlier debut album) "again and again." Definitely a recommended buy!

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It's a shame I tell ya'!, August 15, 2006

By	j-j-jordan (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews

It's a shame when a band like this hasn't gotten a single review. This album is great. The music is great. The vocals are great. Do yourself a favor and just listen. Listen and love.