Here’s the thing: if you name your album U M B R A I’m only going to type it out once. It’s so annoying putting all those spaces in there. So, for my sanity, let’s just refer to it as “the EP” from here on out. Thus, we can discuss the brand new EP released by Austin-based trio Unmothered. This EP, the band’s second to date, clocks in at just over twelve-and-a-half minutes and provides a promising look into the band’s future.

The EP is a much welcome progression from their 2012 self-titled release. They’re now more focused—writing driven, concise songs free of extraneous frills and sounds. They no longer clutter their songs with frivolous beats and atmospheric touches. Still in their youth, they’ve found a much more mature sound for their sophomore release.

Unmothered’s influences may be readily apparent—the trio combines elements of Usnea, Unsane and Yob, among others—but it’s the way they effortlessly blend those styles, and the attributes of each, that makes this an exceptionally promising release. It’s a unique combination of sounds formatted and executed in a way that only a confident, young band could.

The EP’s biggest highlight is its final track, “Scarp.” Complete with a discordant buildup and a haltingly addictive rhythm, the song provides more than you would expect for the final song of an album, building in anticipation and urgency rather than closing the album on a calm note. Even its breakdowns contain an unsettling, quivering aspect that keeps you on edge. And when the heaviness returns, it explodes with mature vocals and a cascading wall of sound.

Look for Unmothered’s debut full length later in 2015. For now, though, U M B R A (dammit, I gave in) is an altogether exciting little release from these young lads.

-Manny-O-War

U M B R A is available now on Crowquill Records. For more information on Unmothered, visit the band’s Facebook page.