On local indie group Urban Theory’s debut release, 2015’s Perpetual Summer, the members blast through ethereal, moody tunes. Between the rhythm guitar, second guitar, keys, and vocals, there are a lot of layers of music going on at once. There’s rock and tender balladry at play, with a lot of heart-on-sleeve moments. John Mayer is a big influence for all of the group’s members.
In 2018, the band plans to release its follow-up, but this time people will hear a leaner, and more guitar-driven sound. For the past year, the band has been a quartet: vocals, two guitars, bass and drums.
“We definitely have more space nowadays. It’s left a lot of room for us each to do things,” says singer/guitarist Ryan Cummings. “Before, when we had a keyboardist, we were like, ‘OK guys, let’s make room for the keys to come in.’ Now we all have that room to play with. It leaves us with a lot of room to express ourselves, which is really crucial.”
The band formed in 2011 and has gone through several members, but the latest lineup has been in place for a year. Cummings assures me their upcoming EP is going to be a phenomenally recorded batch of songs. The first single, “We Rise” will be coming out in January or February, with the rest of the record following later next year.
“We’re kind of digging how it’s been sounding so far. We’re trying to revamp as a four-piece. It sounds really full,” Cummings says. “We’re excited to release our music to the public.”
INFO: 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22. Crepe Place, 1134 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. $10. 429-6994.
