Uma Fuzz: Manifesting Psychedelic Ambience at Piper Down

When I walked into Piper Down last Friday, I realized it had been more than a year since last I had last seen Uma Fuzz. I remember it was right in the middle of the spring 2021 lockdowns

It was at Dave Crespo’s Studio J in March of 2021, where I was playing cameraman for the 2021 Mega Mini Digi Fest livestream that included eight bands—four in Boston and four in Salt Lake. (Check out these behind the scenes photos.) Again, this was right in the middle of lockdowns, and while the masses around the world were scared and huddled in their dwellings, Uma Fuzz fearlessly ventured out into the pandemic wasteland and rocked their asses off.

…while the masses around the world were scared and huddled in their dwellings, Uma Fuzz fearlessly ventured out into the pandemic wasteland and rocked their asses off.

Standing in the Studio J courtyard that day, with the sun shining and hugs all around…it like the pandemic didn’t even exist. And it was clear these musicians were my people: unafraid of Covid and unafraid of the cancel culture that was constantly attempting to curb their “dangerous” behavior.

Vocalist Sarah Little Drum says the band formed during the lockdown and the experience forged a familial bond that will never be broken. The Fuzz clearly spent a lot of family time together this past year and that time has paid dividends.

The Show

The ambient psychedelic sound of Uma Fuzz provides a perfect canvas for Sara Little Drum

I always get a kick out of revisiting bands after a long stretch, and I’m curious how their performances and songwriting have progressed. As I walked in the door that night, the band was well into their first set and a psychedelic vibe covered me like a warm fuzzy blanket. It felt good—like the feeling you get watching the sun rise after spending all night in the cold desert.

Since that livestream show last year, the most notable change I heard were in the vocals. Sarah has always been a great vocalist—and she has certainly settled into the material—but the biggest surprise was drummer Lindsay Heath killing it with her background vocals. Harmonies filled out the sound in a big way and I don’t recall hearing that so strongly last year.

…the biggest surprise was drummer Lindsay Heath killing it with her background vocals.

What hasn’t changed is the band’s soothing psychedelic sound—lead by guitarist Jordan Shonberg’s songwriting and playing style that seems to be ambient in nature. Jordan isn’t that guitarist who craves the spotlight. He’s comfortable laying down an ever-present, melodic sound that weaves though the music like a lazy river.

As the percussionist for the amazing band SuperBubble, Dan Muir definitely flexes his multi-instrumental skills on bass for Uma Fuzz. Together, Heath and Muir craft the perfect canvas for Little Drum to paint vivid pictures with her lyrics.

Together, Heath and Muir craft the perfect canvas for Little Drum to paint vivid pictures with her lyrics.

Catching Uma Fuzz at Piper Down was just what my doctor ordered. If you are looking for uptempo rock, Uma Fuzz may not be the ticket. However, if you’re looking for psychedelic grooves then listen up: Uma Fuzz has taken their game to the next level and you should definitely check them out.

The Side Show

Piper Down is a great music venue and gastro pub. The space was almost packed and there was a great mix of fans and other locals looking to discover new music.

I spotted a few local luminaries who count themselves as Uma Fuzz fans.

I spotted a few local luminaries who count themselves as Uma Fuzz fans. Bill Frost (Magda Vega and Dead Zephyrs) was spotted in the audience. He mentioned his Dead Zephyrs would be playing at Piper Down next Friday. That’s tomorrow night, April 22, for those of you in Daybreak. Check them out.

The amazing cross-necked guitarist Terrence Hansen was also in attendance. He told me fellow SLAMM (music academy) instructor Little Drum is one of the most diverse vocal artists he knows. Bank it. By the way, Terrence has a lot of upcoming shows. Check out his calendar here.

If your’e looking for a live show and don’t want to get burned, check out our curated calendar, the Bard Recommends, which only includes bands personally reviewed by our editorial staff. There is almost zero risk of seeing a bad show…unless the drummer gets wasted and knocks over her kick drum.