The Umbrellas - Fairweather Friend (2024) [Hi-Res]

The Umbrellas debut album was one of the surprise hits of an otherwise grim 2021. Channeling sold gold influences like The Pastels, Comet Gain, Orange Juice and The Aislers Set, The Umbrellas represent the fertile San Francisco Bay Area scene’s at its most pop-tastic. Following on from 3 sell-out pressings of LP #1 and tours with everyone from labelmates Papercuts to Fucked Up, the band is now back with an absolute blinder of a sophomore album. “Fairweather Friend” is bigger in almost every way than their self-titled debut, featuring sterling songwriting, bigger and more nuanced production, and terrifically assured vocals and harmonies.

The Umbrellas leap forward with “Fairweather Friend” is reminiscent of similar growth that we saw with second albums from Veronica Falls, Allo Darlin’ and The Pains of Being Pure At Heart; while the concept remains consistent, the execution is bigger, bolder and ultimately more satisfying. It’s always thrilling to see a young band swing for the fences and succeed, and we’re looking forward to hearing where The Umbrellas go next and watching “Fairweather Friend” enter the indiepop canon.