The San Francisco bay area has long been an important outpost of the International Pop Underground, from the 90s heyday of The Aislers Set, #Poundsign# and The Fairways to the string of legendary popfests in the early 00s and more recently to a DIY pop resurgence with bands like The Mantles, Flowertown and The Reds, Pinks & Purples. Now we're very happy to welcome into this rich pop tradition The Umbrellas, who, after one well-received tape/single, are sure to dazzle with their new self-titled debut album. Classic indiepop influences are very much in evidence here, from The Byrds to Orange Juice, The Pastels, Comet Gain and Belle & Sebastian, along with a noticeable garage-pop/Paisley Underground flavor that is a hallmark of San Francisco's best bands. The Umbrellas' area DIY roots run deep, from previous bands to jobs at local record shops and venues to their warm, distinctive home-recorded sound. Brilliantly catchy lead-off single "She Buys Herself Flowers" introduces us to a band that's both intimately conversant with indiepop history but also unburdened by it, a band with the song-crafting chops and spirit to take familiar elements and create for themselves a fresh new sound. The album goes from strength to strength, studded with pop gems like "Near You," "Lonely" and "Pictures." They're tunes that sound like classics from the first listen, and when taken all together give you the distinct impression of a group of friends who write and play for their own pleasure, with a sense of ease that's readily apparent with every note. Songs like "Summer" and "City Song" are at once heavily evocative of SF but also universal, the work of a terrific young band who have struck on something as timeless and elemental as all great pop.
Release date:
August 6, 2021
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Cartridges - Top Picks
A selection of turnatble cartridges that provide great performance and sound quality
-
Vinyl Care - Top Picks
A selection of accesories to keep your turntable equipment & vinyl records in the best shape
-
HumminGuru: Ultrasonic Vinyl Record Cleaner
Advanced ultrasonic technology with customizable cleaning cycles and a large tank capacity to thoroughly remove dust, dirt, and contaminants
-
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO
Featuring a one-piece carbon fiber tonearm, precision-tuned motor, and a heavy steel platter with TPE damping, it ensures superior stability and sound quality.
-
Pro-Ject Phono Box DC Pre-Amp
Compact, high-performance phono preamplifier for both MM and MC cartridges, delivering a clean, detailed signal with minimal noise.
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
NewDad Altar
Atlantic
September 19, 2025 -
Hazlett Last Night You Said You Missed Me (Red/Black)
Nettwerk Records
September 12, 2025 -
Phil Manzanera & Andy Mackay AM PM Soho Live [2xLP]
Bfd
September 19, 2025 -
Joy Crookes Juniper
Epic Records
September 19, 2025 -
Jonathan Groff & Original Broadway Cast of Just In Time Just In Time
Atlantic
October 24, 2025 -
Blood Orange Essex Honey [2xLP]
Rca Records
August 29, 2025 -
Frost Children SISTER
True Panther Records
September 12, 2025 -
Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith Gush
Nettwerk Records
September 12, 2025 -
Flock of Dimes The Life You Save - Citrus [2xLP]
Sub Pop
October 10, 2025 -
Trapeze Lost Tapes Vol. 1 (Yellow) [2xLP]
Metalville
September 12, 2025 -
Dinosaur Pile-Up I'Ve Felt Better (Yellow Flame Marble)
Mascot
August 22, 2025 -
Russell Dickerson FAMOUS BACK HOME (Amazon Exclusive)
Triple Tigers/Kimberly Perry LP1
September 5, 2025 -
Joy Crookes Juniper
Sony UK
September 26, 2025 -
Glitterfox Decoder (Devilish Red)
Jealous Butcher Records
August 22, 2025