<img src="http://www.hiddenshoal.com/wp-content/uploads/store_images/large/active_LRG.jpg" alt="" width="190" height="190" align="left" /><a href="http://www.hiddenshoal.com/">Hidden Shoal Recordings</a> is proud to announce the Australian release of debut album <em>Now We’re Active</em> by Perth’s widescreen indie-rock craftsmen <a href="http://www.hiddenshoal.com/artists/umpire/">Umpire</a> ahead of its international release on July 14th.

On <a href="http://www.hiddenshoal.com/wp-content/uploads/index.php?main_page=product_info&amp;cPath=50&amp;products_id=172"><em>Now We’re Active</em></a>, Umpire combine sprawling indie-rock sounds with reflective melancholy, expertly wielding massive sun-drenched melodies, serpentine guitar parts and soaring vocals to spectacular effect. From lead single ‘Green Light District’ through the chiming guitar surge of ‘The Canyon’ to gorgeous finale ‘Cyclones Into Sunshowers’, <em>Now We’re Active</em> is a stunning release, as expansive as it is propulsive, as heartbreaking as it is life-affirming.

Immaculately produced by bassist Simon Struthers at Forensic Audio, the album’s ten tracks bring progressive rock influences, indie-pop sensibilities and shades of math-rock into explosive collision, then shape them into songs that are at once epic and intimate. After the last song fades you’re left with a lump in your throat and admiration of how Umpire’s songcraft and sonics are so consistently elegant, melodic and widescreen. <em>Now We’re Active</em> is much more than a collection of tracks – it’s an album that blossoms beautifully on repeat plays.

<em>“Once again we’re blessed with another amazing band brought to us by   Hidden Shoal Recordings... the single is upbeat and poppy with a chorus   that wails, featuring a guitar line mid-way through the song that  would  make Sonic Youth bow their heads. If this track is in any way a  sign of  things to come, then rest assured that when the album hits,  it’ll leave  fans mesmerized.” – </em><strong>DOA on ‘Green Light District’</strong>

<strong>Availability</strong>

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<a href="http://www.hiddenshoal.com/wp-content/uploads/index.php?main_page=product_info&amp;cPath=50&amp;products_id=172"><em>Now We’re Active</em></a> is available now on CD in Australia and digitally everywhere. The album sees its international CD release on 14 July. Head to the <a href="http://www.hiddenshoal.com/wp-content/uploads/index.php?main_page=product_info&amp;cPath=50&amp;products_id=172">Hidden Shoal Store</a> for all availability details. The Australian album launch will take place in Perth at the Rosemount on 4 June. Umpire will be touring Australia during July and August.<strong> </strong> Read a full press release <a href="http://www.hiddenshoal.com/publicity/press-releases/HSR_Press_Release-Umpire-Now_Were_Active.pdf">here</a> and be sure to check out the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/my_videos?feature=mhee" target="_blank">fantastic music video</a> for single 'Green Light District'.