Stop the world: (the) Umbrella Cult's got a new CD

Great news from a local band that has been lovingly featured on This Week In Sarasota in the past: (the) Umbrella Cult is releasing their debut record in one week! The Cock & Bull Pub will host this momentous occasion within Sarasota's music scene on Friday, Dec. 21, 2012.

Now, why does that date sound so auspicious ... oh right, because that's when the apocalypse is supposedly gonna happen! Is there a better way to bid this world farewell than with beer, buddies and great local music? We can't think of one. Read the full press release below.

End of the World Show/CD Release Party

Dec. 21, 2012 - 9 p.m.

The Cock & Bull Pub - 975 Cattlemen Rd., Sarasota 34232

$5 cover/$10 admission + CD

(the) Umbrella Cult releases album in time for world’s end

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 12/14/12

Media contact: Garrett von Räd – (941) 356-2511 - [email protected]

Booking inquiries: [email protected]

Should the Mayans’ ancient wisdom prove correct, and the world as we know it grinds to an apocalyptic halt on Dec. 21, 2012, there’s only one place to be: the Cock & Bull Pub (975 Cattlemen Rd., Sarasota, FL 34232), where Sarasota psychedelic phenomenon (the) Umbrella Cult will be celebrating the release of their debut full-length album, aptly titled Apocalove.

“We are very proud of this record and can’t wait for the release,” said lead guitarist Garrett von Räd.

Apocalove is completely self-produced, featuring 14 tracks that range from yearning, ethereal ballads to snotty trash rock to symphonic anthems. Prevalent throughout, however, is a nostalgic, heavily vintage sound that captured ears, minds and hearts in the musical heyday of the ‘60s and ‘70s.

“We wanted to put out a true album, as opposed to just a collection of possible singles,” said lead singer and guitarist Brockford Lee. “We grew up listening to music that felt important and we want that feeling to translate to anyone that listens to this record.”

(the) Cult’s aesthetic, coupled with Lee’s dedication to songcraft and compelling melodies, has garnered the band a growing following that crosses Sarasota city limit lines. They appeared at the 2012 Harvey Milk Festival and most recently at the Noise Ordinance 3 music showcase. Their song “Mechanica” was selected for Volume 2 of the Psychedelic Underground Generation’s compilation album, released in October of this year. To make a long list of accolades short, (the) Umbrella Cult has become a highly sought-after listening and live show experience well before their debut hits the public---at the end of the world.

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Meet (the) Cult 

(the) Umbrella Cult is a secret society dedicated to the consumption of good vibrations and the sublimation of self within the power of Rock. They are led by the following five agents: Spirtual Leader Brockford Lee (guitar/vocals), Minister of Propaganda Garrett von Räd (guitar), High Priestess Promise Hope (vocals/percussion), Low Priest David Cornicelli (bass) and Keeper of the Beat Alex Frazzoni (drums). Their debut album Apocalove will be released at a show on Dec. 21, 2012 at the Cock & Pull Pub, with Cats in the Basement, Villanova Junction and Sons of Hippies sharing the bill.