I suppose it wouldn't be inaccurate to term Ultra Cindy as part of the "second-wave" of shoegazer bands, part of the unheralded American contingent that featured contemporaries Fudge and The Swirlies. Like the aforementioned, the Virginia Beach-rooted Ultra Cindy also had their sights set on something other than the floor. Their most sublime moments, particularly Mermaid Parade's stunning opener "Hoyt," as well as "Starblazer" benefited greatly from the echoing, tremolo-laced glaze the quartet was wont to embellishment them with, but strains of more straightforward anglophile pop cropped up elsewhere. Ultra Cindy failed to make it onto the field in time to be included in the dream-pop vanguard, and despite their capabilities they were barely regarded as a footnote.
Had it not been for the Wyatt's Torch four-band compilation, The Mermaid's Parade wouldn't be a component of this posting. I initially bought it for the inclusion of Poole, a whip-smart indie-rock troupe, also from Virginia, with considerable power pop leanings. It was here that I made the discovery of Ultra Cindy. Featured here are four alternate recordings of songs that made it onto their lone album. The Wyatt's Torch arrangements have a rawer, and from my experience, a more visceral bent that didn't quite translate over to the album. This collection also includes two Richmond, VA natives, The Technical Jed and The Seymores, the latter impressing mightily with a host of slackeresque, yet melodic tendencies.
Ultra Cindy - The Mermaid's Parade
01. Hoyt
02. Fever Pitch
03. 18 Stories Down
04. Eusebio
05. Starblazers
06. Neat
07. Red Nails
08. Crinoline
09. Near Perfect
10. Dean Henry
V/A - Wyatt's Torch
Poole
01. Si
02. Tangle Up
03. So Peaceful When He Sleeps
04. Smiley Mr. Lion
The Seymores
05. Sicker Than You
06. Drywall
07. Red Snapper
08. Sidewinder
The Technical Jed
09. Hanging Brain
10. Moebius Strip
11. New Messengers of Happiness
12. Dual Buckets
Ultra Cindy
13. Hoyt
14. Starblazer
15. Neat
16. Near Perfect
Ultra Cindy: Hear
Wyatt's Torch comp: Hear
10 comments:
I have to say that I know the guys from Ultra Cindy (went to school with them actually) and LOVE them...as a matter of fact, Mermaid's Parade is in the CD player now. I've seen them many times as well as the Seymores...good to know someone else out there knows the greatness of those albums!
There will be a reunion show this september in richmond, va...a two day fest is currently being organized...
Long ago a friend of mine sent me a cassette of demos by ultracindy and another band Facts About Israel. I am hoping to dub all the tracks to mp3 soon. anyone have any details about FAI?
Hey kyork6. Would love to hear that tape you mentioned. Did a search on FAI on Google, and of course came up with a million irrelivant results. Feel free to email me at the address in my profile.
October 9th & 10th @ Bar None in Va Beach Va. "The I (HEART) Rock n Roll Festival" Friday Oct 9th: Pan Am Down (x-Ultra Cindy), Whispering Winds (x-Collider, Smash Crash Explode,Her Sparkle Dims), Astropop3, Acton Habit (Antic Hay) Saturday Oct 10th: Churn (x-Gang Chorus),Kingsteen, (x-Antic Hay), Screen Vinyl Image, The Sky Drops (x-Smashing Orange), Ultra Cindy (1st show in 14 years!)
I've heard that the parade has been something really good, actually I wish I was there, the problem was I had to stay at pharmacy that day I regret for that.
I remember Ultra Cindy well...had heard them on the William and Mary radio station, then met them at a Bailter Space show at the former Insect Club (we were the only guys in front of the stage...the other patrons had no idea what they were witnessing). Went to an Ultra Cindy/Wedding Present gig at William and Mary and discovered my wife (then fiancé) worked with one of the band member's mom...small world! Would love to get in contact with them again! Their live shows were great!
I remember Ultra Cindy well...had heard them on the William and Mary radio station, then met them at a Bailter Space show at the former Insect Club (we were the only guys in front of the stage...the other patrons had no idea what they were witnessing). Went to an Ultra Cindy/Wedding Present gig at William and Mary and discovered my wife (then fiancé) worked with one of the band member's mom...small world! Would love to get in contact with them again! Their live shows were great!
Hi!
Is there any chance of a re-up, (and "whirlwind" 7'), please?
(I've only discovered this amazing band some days ago...)
Many thanks!
Once again, thank you very much!
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