Umka:

Recorded at San Francisco’s Closer Studios in May 2009, this limited edition LP by the veteran, post-Soviet underground band Umka & Bro features striking new versions of 10 songs spanning two decades. Umka (Russian slang for ‘clever girl’) started writing songs in the 80’s. After making some early recordings she took a break to finish her Ph.D. in early Soviet avant-garde poetry. Umka’s cassettes spread widely, and upon returning to music, she found herself an instant and slightly bewildered celebrity. Her list of influences grew to include Rolling Stones, Grateful Dead, Iggy Pop, Bob Dylan and others. After releasing nearly 20 CDs (most of them DIY) with her band Bronevichok (Little Armored Car).

Mark Matos:
A brilliant flash of southwestern pop-psych shines off the bay with the release of "Words Of The Kife", the first slice from a group of San Francisco veterans who might be insulted if you call it a debut. Like the neighborhood the band calls home, "Words Of The Knife" is a record of hybrid bloodlines. Tucson flavored pop songs meld with the sun baked chords and beats of 70s tropicalia and sleepwalk through mirrored and smoky 1970s rock venues. Every genre that emerges here is shredded and combined for you by Mark Matos & Os Beaches.

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