Lumber was a emocore band from Oakland, California. It seemed like Lumber came and went in a very short period of time, leaving behind only one 7" and a sole LP; both released in 1994. I have had trouble locating any information about this band or media like flyers and live videos so it seems like they were quite elusive in their short active period. Nonetheless, Lumber stands out to be just as good as their California contemporaries like Julia, Evergreen and Shroomunion; despite getting a fraction of the exposure and attention.
The first thing to note when characterizing this bands sound is Singer Johannes "Hansi" Armentrout distinctive high-pitched drawl, it is easy to compare to Aaron Calvert's vocal delivery (of Evergreen); sappy, drawn out and saccharine. The dual boy/girl vocals on Under a Frog are harmonized to a hypnotic degree that really compliments the experimental post hardcore style of instrumentals well. While the vocals are more along the lines of contemporaries Evergreen and Shroomunion; their dizzying song structures are more alike bands like Julia, which Lumber shared a member with (Jeremy Miller). There is a great little cover of The Cure's "Love Song" on the LP that is a favourite, everything about it is absolutely haunting and brilliant. Overall, Lumber had a fresh, cohesive sound that pulls off its experimental aspects extremely well more often than not. Hansi went on to form Truxton after Lumber's dissolution, another great indie-emo band that features his distinct and charming voice.
The perviously circulating rips for this band where quite poor quality and missing songs in some cases. If you heard this band before and wrote them off, maybe give them another try with these high quality transfers!
Stripped 7" 1994 (Vinyl Communications)
υνδερ α Φρογ "Under A Frog" LP 1994 (Rivers End)
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