Umbrella Life is led by Noah Kim who is based in the Bay Area in California. Technology has allowed for bedroom pop artists like Owl City and Billie Eilish to really make a name for themselves. These days practically anyone can make music with just their laptop. Life under lockdown has provided a resurgence of these types of artists. Kim is one of these artists, providing mellow electronica with impressions of nature embedded in the music on his sophomore EP Daydream. Charmingly enough, this EP starts off with a story: “Deep in the heart of a forest clearing lies a rusty, moss-encrusted video game cartridge, half-buried in the earth. Upon taking the cartridge home you find that it soaked up all the beautiful sounds and melodies of the outdoors, and upon playing it you are transported to dreams and adventure – without even stepping outside!” The juxtaposition between natural and man-made sounds makes for a very captivating and unique listen. These soundscapes will take you away, either into an adventure, or into a soothing journey of relaxation.
Daydream opens up with the title track “Daydream,” where the ambiance of a chill piano melody courses through the start of this track. The piano vibe is very mellow as synths waft in. With the sounds of bird chirping, the atmospheric vibes bring in scenes from nature. Slowly the electronic riffs gain in traction, making way for a chiptune video game vibe. The tune at moments reminded me of Mario Bros. and at the same time of Owl City sans vocals. Hand clap percussions provides a rhythmic backdrop. On “Snowfall,” the melody is a bit meandering as the tone slowly builds. A delicate piano tune makes an appearance on here. The cool and chill sounds are really reverberating. What sounds like the xylophone adds some unconventional instrumentation. On “Little Fox,” the sounds of crickets and a nice breeze carry this song forward. The trickling in of an exciting piano melody tunes the listener in. The piano melody is dynamic and delicate. Next, Kim brings an orchestral element with some lush strings. This is a dramatic piece filled with tension and urgency. A storm is breaking in the horizon adding to the sounds. More strings surround the sounds on “Viper Fish.” The sounds are airy with a dark and smoldering vibe. Electronic riffs enhance this dark feeling. The ominous undertones grow in sound as the synths are heavily implemented, creating a very EDM appeal. This delves into the dark side, shows Kim’s eclectic vision on this multifaceted project. Kim has been working on these songs on and off between classes for the past two years. The pandemic allowed him more time to work on these recordings, and it became a special place for him to go to immerse himself in and escape to – a place he can “daydream,” hence the title. As we listen, listeners can share in this “daydream.” Kim also provides music video accompaniments on Youtube to better help stimulate the senses. I look forward to hearing more.
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