This Song in Sarasota: Sue Aside by (the) Umbrella Cult

 I would drink (the) Umbrella Cult’s kool-aid --- by the gallon. This genre-defying outfit became a steadfast darling of the music scene seemingly overnight (which, in music scene years, equals about four months). Their secret? My best guess is: Make a band, lock yourself in a house, drink firewater, write songs and don’t come out until you’re damn well good and ready.

I’ve had the stompin’ opening hook to their song “Blue and Green” stuck in my head all morning, but that does y'all no good if you can’t hear it yourselves. So instead, I give you another favorite, “Sue Aside.” It’s a four-minute song that feels two minutes long, because it starts out as one animal and morphs into other lovely beasts over the course of its trip down your earholes.

With the first hit of drums and guitar I instantly perk up and think of the Violent Femmes’ rough, jangling electricity --- that slightly raucous, super-live sound from a group of friends having a killer time together. But when the verse kicks in, I’m transported to ‘60s British pop. I understand lead singer Brock sleeps with a stack of Kinks records for his pillow, and the sound he and his “following” have orchestrated crackles (literally) with vintage tones. What is it with 18 to 30-year-old brains, these days, and their craving for the sounds that spawned a gleam in our parents’ eyes?

I was chewing on that thought until about two minutes in, when the Cult suddenly emerges into the Wild West with a survivalist desert beat. They leave sunny pop behind to plunge into blinding heat and some far-from-innocent guitar soloing, while Brock’s voice takes on a desperate edge and the rest of the band howls at the moon. It’s practically ribald, perfect for letting down your hair and discovering that yes, you do know how to dance --- you just needed the right song.

Not convinced? (the) Umbrella Cult is ready to prove it to you tonight at The Venue, formerly known as Rhythm Nightclub (1927 Ringling Blvd.). The Venue hasn’t made a reputation for itself as a live music hall, but I personally am crossing my fingers that tonight the Cult will set a new standard there, along with Eric de Barros and Miss “No-Introduction-Needed” Geri X. If you can't make tonight's show, put a night on the town in ink for July 13, when the Cult returns to The Venue with Physical Plant and Villanova Junction (yes, your honor, I did mention my own band in this article). Get out there, local music lovers, and show ‘em what you’re made of.

TONIGHT
Geri X w/ (the) Umbrella Cult and Eric de Barros
9 p.m. - The Venue at 1927
1927 Ringling Blvd.
Sarasota, FL 34236 
$5 - 21+ - Ladies' Night: women drink free

SATURDAY, JULY 13
Physical Plant w/ (the) Umbrella Cult and Villanova Junction 
9 p.m. - The Venue at 1927
1927 Ringling Blvd.
Sarasota, FL 34236 
$5 - 21+