Ume (pronounced “ooh-may”) opened for The Toadies and Helmet last night, and I’m glad I arrived early to catch their set.
For a band of only three people, Ume had incredible power — they blasted sound and strength out into the crowd at Webster Hall.
Frontwoman Lauren Larson’s frenetic energy and distorted guitar meant lots of movement — Ume is perfectly suited to playing on a huge stage with ample room to move about.
While some may prefer the raw energy of their live show, I prefer the nuances on their album. The standout tracks on album Phantoms are “Captive,” “Destroyer,” and “Dancing Blind.”
