Ummagma ‘Frequency’ EP Review: Shoegaze duo give a refreshing, vibrant take on the genre.

[rating=5]

Here at Smells Like Infinite Sadness, I take pride on being ahead of the curve on musical releases. But hey, I’m no spring chicken, and sometimes I’m late to the party.

Case in point: I’ve only recently discovered the 2015 EP Frequency (Moon Sound Records), from Ummagma, the Canadian/Ukrainian duo of Shauna McLarnon and Alexander Kretov. It’s a heavenly slice of dream-pop with ambient and trip-hop textures added for good measure.

Opener Orion sets the pace, glacial synths undulating along McLarnon’s soothing vocals in a hypnotic mix. Lama’s spiky New Wave guitars chop along gracefully to a krautrock beat. It’s instantly catchy and effervescent.

Winter Tale is a blissful piece of oceanic psychedelia, with McLarnon’s layered vocals cascading in graceful fashion. Just imagine Stereolab meets Hooverphonic and you’re getting close…its wonderfully immersive stuff.

Galacitcon is both eerie and soothing, richly atmospheric Eno-esque soundscapes that are the aural equivalent of a deep-tissue massage.

Frequency also contains several remixes of Lama, adding new dimensions and layers in liberating ways. The Cocteau Twin’s Robin Guthrie adds his angelic gauzy bliss in one incarnation, while OMD’s Malcolm Holmes gives it a shimmering synth-pop makeover.

Particular praise must go towards the EP production: there is a clarity here amidst the blissful noise, a very balanced mix that allows for every layer to float through the ear without overpowering the other. That’s always a tricky dance when shoegaze is involved, and they pull it off with grace and ease.

At only eight tracks, Frequency not only doesn’t outstay its welcome, it leaves you wanting more. Personally? I can’t wait to see where Ummagma go next, and I plan on revisiting their back catalogue ASAP.

You can order Frequency via Bandcamp below. And you can keep track of all things Ummagma at their official website.