Category: Hi-5

Chris’s Hi-5’s

August 2nd, 2024

On Fridays, a staff member at the ugly hug curates a list of their five favorite new(ish) releases to share with us all. This week, our writer and guitar phenom, Chris, shares with us a list of distorted dancers, apocalyptic stunners and heartfelt folk tunes to take into the weekend.

“Ginger Peachy” by Cheap City

“Ginger Peachy” is one of the tracks off of the Holyoke, MA band’s latest record, Blue Dancers, released in March. Cheap City has played a lot of shows with my band The Leafies You Gave Me over the years, so I’ve had the chance to see how they’ve grown as a band.

This album is by far my personal favorite and showcases them at their best as they blend catchy punk melodies and lush arrangements with experimental noise rock.

This song really captures the live performance spirit of Cheap City – a post-hardcore punk band with dancey riffs that throws you headfirst into the mosh pit with equal parts anxiety and blissful catharsis.

“Your busted heart just spent all night screaming at the moon/ In her reflection against the water against an overcast sky/ In the disappearing memory of the twinkling of an eye,” keyboardist and singer Clover Nahabedian belts with emotional energy that conveys a feeling of heartache mixed with longing. It never fails to draw me back to similar feelings I’ve had over the years.

“Devotion” by Daniel Ouellette

Daniel Ouellette is another artist that I’ve shared a bill with in the past. His music draws from a myriad of sounds – electro/ techno pop, gothy new wave, and new age/ world music. What immediately stands out about him is his iconically deep, intimate and resonant voice paired with synth pop beats that are absolute bops.

Ouellette is a multi-linguistic tour de force and sings in English, French, and Spanish on “Devotion” off his July release Otherworld (When the wolfbane blooms). This song encapsulates all the best of his 80s new wave and electro-pop influences; with shimmering synths parts and a groove-based beat that’s pure pop joy.

“Would you like to have a candlelight supper?/ Would you like a bottle of champagne?/ Is there a devil kind enough to bring you apples?/ Shan’t you learn when it’s time to scream?”

There’s a romantic sensibility that’s paired with a tongue in cheek fey-like playfulness to Ouellette’s music. You can find that among the many classic horror movie references in his songs that shows his love for all things campy and cult.

“Radiate a Smile” by David Keenan

David Keenan is an Irish singer-songwriter that I’ve been following over the years and his latest July release “Radiate a Smile” is a song that cuts through cynicism and annihilates nihilistic thoughts.

Keenan is an indie folk songwriter with a clear vision – a poet who speaks about the world around him. Characters are drawn from everyday life; it’s the people next door or who you meet by chance walking down the street. There’s a clear line that traces Keenan’s work back to literary giants such as James Joyce or Dylan Thomas.

On “Radiate a Smile,” Keenan presents a sprawling narrative on the song’s verses, capturing stream of consciousness, thoughts and imagery of the here and now: “Larry is heavy handed and gets in your space/ A space invader who’s deaf in one ear/ Scudders is still skulling bags Galahad/ oh, I wish I Galahadn’t last night.”

This song is all about living in the moment; all our thoughts, emotions, the people around us (for good or ill) are never static and always fleeting. It’s a good reminder that we’re all going to die someday, so it’s best to find the love and reason for being.

“Radiate a smile cuz we’re only here for a short while and I don’t want to miss a day because I’m missing you.”

“Runaway” by Hannah Mohan

Hannah Mohan (And the Kids) has always had a brilliant mind for melody and capturing emotions in her songs that resonate with listeners. That was clear when I first heard her more than a decade ago at underground venues such as a Western Massachusetts VFW hall and a pop-up DIY festival in the woods in Ithaca, NY called Sweater Vest Sweater Fest.

She’s come a long way since then – releasing three albums as the front person with indie pop band And the Kids. But in 2020, And the Kids ended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, while Mohan also started picking up the pieces from a breakup the year prior.

What emerged from this tumultuous period in her life is Mohan’s debut album as a solo artist “Time Is A Walnut,” which was produced by Alex Toth (Rubblebucket and Tōth).

“Runaway” exemplifies the core of Mohan’s songwriting: an emotionally complex breakup song that’s uplifting as it examines the contradictions of loving and hating someone in the same breath. “You screwed my world/ And then you put it back together/ Now I have to thank you.”

With its lush production, droney synths, breathy backing vocals, punchy percussion, soaring lead vocals, and even a penny whistle, “Runaway” strikes me as a song that cares as much about its pop hooks as it does about its lyrical/emotional impact.

“The Feminine Urge” by The Last Dinner Party

A lot has already been said about The Last Dinner Party – by music writers far more eloquent than I – after the band took the music world by storm earlier this year with their debut album “Prelude to Ecstasy.”

For myself, the UK-based musical ensemble The Last Dinner Party is where all the right elements come together perfectly. There’s expressive and emotional lead vocals and harmonies, a tightly-knit and creative attention to detail in their production/ arrangements, brilliant pop hooks, and lyrics that linger in the mind; begging for repeated listens.

With “The Feminine Urge,” the band’s blend of glam rock, progressive/ baroque pop, and post-punk take the song to grandiose heights. This is a rock anthem on par with the likes of Kate Bush or David Bowie.

“I am the dark red liver stretched out on a rock/ All the poison I convert it and turn it to love/ Here comes the feminine urge I know it so well/ To nurture the wounds my mother held.” Those are lyrics that cut through the bone, driving right to the heart of the band’s ethos of empowering femininity.

Written by Chris Goudreau
Claire’s Hi-5’s!

June 28th, 2024

Every Friday, a staff member at the ugly hug curates a list of their five favorite new(ish) releases to share with us all. This week, singer-songwriter and team writer Claire Ozmun has put together a track list of chewy lyrical poise, fresh Sunday-morning anthems and brash noisy stunners for us to simmer in.

“Pay for it” by Kablamo

Before I learned this New Paltz-born band did indeed cut their teeth in college house shows, I sensed, in the best way, a DIY/sweaty-basement-show ethos when seeing them live. The trust Julia, Santi, Aidan, and Charlie have on stage seems instinctive. I listened to their recorded music on the walk home immediately after their set. There’s a specific sense of relief that washes over you when the recorded music of an artist you love live still resonates when you’re listening on your shitty $15 earbuds. Kablamo’s latest EP, GO, does not disappoint, in your earbuds or live. During their EP release show (in a Crown Heights basement in 90 degree weather, naturally), “Pay For It” got the folks moving. One of those special, tender mosh pits that bands with good people and good sound tend to forge. If you’re ever listening to MBV and want a little Bite, might I recommend this track. Julia is the lungs and also the heartbeat on Pay For It, and yes, she does both live which is a physical feat I can’t comprehend. Julia sings like a drummer and drums like a singer – there is a precision in her vocal lines and melodic feel to her drumming that I think is just so badass.

“(bitch) buy me some fries” by skwerm

There’s famously nothing better than a punk band from Ohio (unbiased opinion), and skwerm is not only carrying that torch, but reinventing/reigniting/throwing the damn torch away! Fuck the torch! This song has perfected the “Keep Claire Engaged” recipe. The introductory bassline has me hooked and on the edge of my seat. After a few measures, the rest of the band comes in and makes me want to do Mean Face while I walk. Zakiya and Osi’s vocals are powerful and emotive. Perfectly empowering/snarky/fun lyrics. This song also has some of the coolest tempo changes that I’ve heard in recent memory. This is skwerm’s debut single, and rumor has it they played their debut show less than a year ago. I’m not one for premonitions, but I’m sure hoping and suspecting we’re going to see a lot more from Osi, Nia and Zakiya and I’ll be watching from the front row!

“How Sensitive” by Caroline Davis, Wendy Eisenberg

Caroline and Wendy’s record, Accept When, is a 2-month-old newborn, and damn is it beautiful. I love how this whole album was recorded, and How Sensitive struck me from the first listen through. It doesn’t take but a second to know you’re listening to two absolute masters of their craft. The ways in which the guitar and saxophone interact, play with, and return to each other on How Sensitive are so beautiful it makes you stop what you’re doing to listen. The oscillations between minor and major chords/sustained and punctuated notes/playful and nostalgic melodies. This song would be well-paired with a slow-and-hot Sunday morning shower, in this listener’s opinion. The pair are on tour in support of the record for a few more days, so if you’re in the Midwest you should probably just drop everything and go to one of the remaining shows.

“Little Splinters” by Ok Cowgirl

Little Splinters is the first single from Brooklyn-based Ok Cowgirl’s upcoming debut album!! Lucky us!! Leah Lavigne’s voice is restrained, delicate, tough and big all at the same time. I love how this song grows. It introduces itself with succinct-but-evocative nuggets – it lets you in slowly and lets you establish the groundwork for yourself. It’s not obvious but it’s not hiding. By the end it has become an old friend, offering wisdom and reflection in a way that’s inquisitive and honest. It’s rock and roll with lyrics to sink your teeth into. “I have wasted years trying to escape fear / I have wasted years to let it go / But this year I wanna move in it like a muddy swamp” – woof. I can’t wait to hear this record!!!

“Holy Cow” by Harry J.

Man, from the first beat I just don’t want this song to end. This is one of those songs that puts you on an *insert your flying vehicle of choice* and leads you through at least 4 different dimensions. Somehow Harry makes it seem easy – there’s a distinct timbre to his voice that makes you feel like you’re on board with an experienced pilot. There’s just no way to describe the lyrical content of this song without the word “chewy” – and if you don’t know what I mean, listen and you will. The words just sound right together. Evocative and approachable, kind of like abstract art – you’ll know the words, but you probably wouldn’t have thought to put them together. With an impressive team of flight attendants (Stephen Rodes Chen, Julia Easterlin, Thomas Stephens, Mike Farrell, Tiger Darro, and Spencer Mackey on various instruments), rest assured you’ll land safely. But not before learning that music like this exists. I hear there’s more music to come and I’m getting in the TSA line now.

Written by Claire Ozmun

Humble brag about our team member alert! Claire Ozmun’s striking new EP, Dying in the Wool is set to be released on July 19! You can watch the music video for her latest single “I-90” which premiered last month here on the hug! You can preorder Dying in the Wool now!
Autumn’s Hi-5’s

June 21st, 2024

Every Friday, a staff member at the ugly hug curates a list of their five favorite new(ish) releases to share with us all. This week, our writer, poet and member of newly formed punk group Big Garden, Autumn, shares with us “five Hot Hot Steamin’ Blazin’ Brand-Spankin-New Tracks to Sizzle onto your table and into your heart (or liver)”

“Rock & Roller Girl” by Liquid Images

Liquid Images is the tour de force of Cleveland rock n roll veterans Marty Brass (Ma Holos, Red Devil Ryders, Marty Brass & the Lavender Jets) and Richard Hamilton (musician, author, founder of Quality Time Records in 2014). “Rock & Roller Girl” comes from the duo’s debut album – which, in true punk style, packs seven songs into less than 18 minutes. This snack-sized smorgasbord was recorded in Downey, California over the course of 2021 to 2023, finally unleashed unto the eager masses earlier this year in January. It sounds like a record leisurely recorded by two friends who know what they’re doing, and it rocks.

Liquid Images’ self-titled album is a jammy, groovy departure from Brass and
Hamilton’s earlier, (mostly) retired project, Pig Flayer (which is heavy and nasty and absolutely rules, if you can get your hands on one of the few remaining ‘45s). All seven tracks are jammy revelations you can sink your teeth into and shake your ass to, both, but “Rock & Roller Girl” stands out as the representative track of the whole lot, energetically.

Hamilton’s dreamy yet heavy-hitting vocal style oozes with honed punk power that’s been marble-chiseled by time and experience into a pied piper rally cry that’ll make a believer outta you yet, you silly stuck-in-your-ways sensible shoegaze softies. Get freaky and give this one a spin (and thank me later).

“Spend It All” by The Oystermen

Don’t let the whole alternative-teen-groupie-Thorazine-lapsang-souchong look fool you. This writer gets down to a good ole stompin’ bluegrass hootenenay hit from time to time – but it has to be pretty damn good to pull me away from my regularly scheduled brooding cuppa the aforementioned lapsang souchong (I know who I am). “Spend It All” by Brooklyn’s newest bluegrass super-force is that good.

This red-hot track just dropped a few weeks ago, and lyrically, it’s a masterpiece. Frontman Stanley holds it down and pushes it up with jaunty harmonica and driving acoustic guitar, but more than his lively, boot-stompin’ delivery, it’s his words that walk home with you after the show’s over. The chorus rips in with the proverb, “Get a whole lotta money, spend it all havin’ a good time.” This is the new national anthem, or at least the song of the summer. “Stay out all night listenin’ to the rest of the album, it’s
gonna be a blast. Go back home tomorrow mornin’, and then you can crash. Doctor said I should count some sheep, I said ‘Whaddo I look like, Little Bo Peep?’ C’mon listen to the rest of the album.” *harmonica solo* Finally, a track you and your dad’s friends can all get down to.

…and The Oystermen’s trumpet player deserves his own write-up. Every band in New York that’s been looking for a trumpeter is going to writhe and lament when they hear this one.

“MASS APPEAL” by Nat Cherry and Braxtino

This dark, toothy groove dropped just two weeks ago, and I’ve already spun it at least 50 times. Longtime punk rocker Nat Cherry and soulful guitar god Braxton (Smith Taylor, Black Lazarus) joined forces for a soon-to-be cult classic track that, frankly, doesn’t look like any of the tunes either of them have put out before now.

“MASS APPEAL” is for folks who discovered Nico’s “Chelsea Girls” in their teens, graduated to the realm of Siouxsie and the Banshees and Nina Hagen in their twenties, and are now looking for what’s next. Your search is over, lovers. Nat Cherry’s deep, round, lilting drone pulls the trip forward through heavy synth and a brick-laying drum beat. Braxton brings the smooth polished vocals in just the right places, but those places are few. No one is over-singing or over-performing here, and that’s what makes this track so deliriously cool. It hits because it hits, and no one is doing backflips to
catch your attention. They don’t have to.

Hopefully, “MASS APPEAL” is the scintillating promise of more to come from this Brooklyn-based duo. My loved ones are becoming strangers as the mouth-foaming jones for a full EP ravages my body (please god more).

“G Bus” by Tired Horses

The single, “G Bus,” dropped in 2023, and Tired Horses edged their loyal following of jazz-horny clean cut acid freaks with a live album recorded at Hidden Fortress in Philly. Now, it’s 2024 and we’re ready to climax. Give us the manna from heaven, Steely Dan.

This freewheelin’ psychedelic fantasia of acid jazz is just what the doctor ordered in two ways: It’s the antidote to the singer-songwriter-mania that’s oversaturated the New York music scene since the pandemic, and listening to it will make you live forever. Whether folks know about it or not, Tired Horses is already a supergroup – but ultra-niche-lovin’ music heads (you know who you are) will want to pounce on this one now if they want to say they knew about the horsies before they were big. Savant guitarist Cameron Criss (Ruby, Buga, the Claire Ozmun Band), saxophonist Mike Talento, bassist Alex Tvaroch, Jack Gruber on keys, and Szecso Szendrody on drums
fill a space and keep it filled so effortlessly that you won’t even miss a singer.

Tired Horses did something truly special with “G Bus” by capturing that delicious live sound without it going flat. All those groovy layers are preserved in amber – and for New York groovers who wanna shake some action in-person, the band has a residency at Troost bar in Greenpoint. They play a totally original set on the first Monday of every month and there’s no door fee.

“What Money?” by Crystal Egg

Curtis Godino makes the organ sexy. “Organ” as in the instrument, aka the cooler older sister of the piano. This Nashville band hit the stage for the first time in April 2023, but Crystal Egg is already dripping with style. “What Money?” is the group’s only recorded track on music streaming platforms (and it just dropped in April) but they already landed a spot opening for the Lemon Twigs on their most recent tour a few months ago. Also, the anti-capitalist canticle of “What Money?” effortlessly captures the rage-gut-punch of wanting to be a part of something awesome but getting disenfranchised with a door fee and, gasp, being broke.

Dream-queen Jess McFarland’s avant-garde bohemian vocals melds with futuristic flair from Godino’s one-of-a-kind synth stylings for what can only be described as the intersection of poetry and chaos. There really aren’t any other bands to compare Crystal Egg to, and what a feat. They could quit now and already be a legend. But, the hypersonic life force behind their tunes and off-stage creative tsunami (Godino runs Drippy Eye Projections and a gag toy company called Jester Trading Co., and McFarland is a master seamstress and clothing designer) suggests that there’s much, much more to come from these Nashville newcomers.

Written by Autumn Swiers
Nikki’s Hi-5’s

June 14th, 2024

Every Friday, a staff member at the ugly hug curates a list of their five favorite new(ish) releases to share with us all. This week, our writer Nikki (Monsters in Hiding), put together a list of apocalyptical hugs, shoegaze stunners and heartfelt folk tunes to take into the weekend.

“everything to die for” by mui zyu

From a Featured interview, to a Guest List playlist, to my Hi-5 this week, Mui Zyu is a favorite on The Ugly Hug, and for good reason. At first listen, the dissonant melody notes (sharped 4^th for music theory nerds) in the chorus are unsettlingly interesting, and then they become addictive. After singing “we’ve got everything to die for”, mui zyu goes on with “thank god if you want to” which seems to capture the essence of this song and its place within her new album as what might be the most melancholy sounding but hopeful track. To me, it is a reminder that through our existential earthling nihilism, disappointment, rejection, we still have so much to live for, especially the people who keep us here. Thank you Shea for showing me this song.

“falling down” by Current Joys

Many of us know Current Joys (Nick Rattigan) from his harmonic tremolo and super reverb sounds in the popular tracks “Blondie” and “Kids” from his older albums. But if you haven’t listened to his new music, you might be in for a treat if you like the old sound, PLUS a heavy dose of emo screams over digital modulations and breakbeats. It’s like Current Joys experimented, found a new sound, and couldn’t get enough of making songs with it. I’ve included the song I think demonstrates this, and my favorite off his new album LOVE+POP Pt 2 – “falling down”. The melodic singing ends at “These capitalistic pigs have destroyed the planet”, and then half of the song rides out with his screams “it’s all my fault”. Nick Rattigan doesn’t hold back and I’m so here for it. Emotional summer banger for sure.

“jsuk” by Saturnalias

I’m very excited to expose you to Saturnalias if you don’t know them – a band of wonderful humans and musicians based in my NC hometown. It was hard to pick a track of their new album “Bugfest”, but the ebbs in intensity and sampled sounds in “jsuk” are just too cool. I notice something different from the various layers and switch ups every time I listen. Singing drummer, Isa belts “Oh I need this” at the end of the bridge, feeling like an attempt to hold onto something comforting through chaos. If you like post-punk and shoegaze, I’m pleased to introduce you to the music of Saturnalias.

“Guardian” by Memorial (ft. Lomelda)

The songwriting in this one bleeds sincerity. From my interpretation, it paints the very real human experience of wanting to help others; but when we think we are responsible (a “guardian”) for their emotions, we neglect our own needs and can be left with resentment that only we ourselves can account for. Lomelda comes in on the second verse, sharing her classic slow vocal runs, which carry over so well when their two joined voices build and weave in and out over brushed drums. It’s a great shower song.

“Teeth” by Sour Worm

Sour Worm deviates from the digital, instrumental heavy songs released last year with this banger. Using what sounds like acoustic instruments this time, including a bold walking, clonking bass, this track is also lyric focused. It’s weird in all the best ways. Some elements are reminiscent of Modest Mouse and Alex G, like the rhythmic swing, violin solo, and descriptive word choices. It lyrically ends with an interesting final battling dichotomy to dissect – “It’s like pulling teeth trying to keep them [teeth] in my mouth.”

Written by Nikki Knapp
Will’s Hi-5’s

May 17th, 2024

Every Friday, a staff member at the ugly hug curates a list of their five favorite new(ish) releases to share with us all. This week, our photographer, Will, put together a list of distorted hugs, tin can stunners and loveable bedroom pop tunes.

“Angel Like You” by Nick Harley

In what has quickly become one of my favorite albums of the year, Nashville-based Nick Harley delivers a perfect blend of Appalachian folk and low-fi indie. “Angel Like You” introduces the album with melancholic nostalgia with a simple instrumentation, just a couple of well-picked guitars, and some drums. The sentimental songwriting, about the purity and optimism of the beginnings of love, is captured on the warm fuzz of analog recording. The entire album creates the ideal soundtrack for driving through the Appalachian mountains after a spring rainstorm. For now, I’m settling for a post-rain walk on the streets of New York, and it’s just as good for that.

“Gulf Shores” by Merce Lemon, Colin Miller

Continuing with artists hailing from Appalachia, “Gulf Shores” by Pittsburgh-based Merce Lemon and Asheville’s Colin Miller has been a part of my rotation since its release in January. One of two covers by Will Oldham (who I only recently really dove into the discography of, and it’s a must listen to for fans of Songs Ohia, MJ Lenderman, etc.) and the song is truly done justice. A beautiful and melancholic song, sonically and lyrically, Miller takes the lead of the duet with the floating sounds of steel guitar (my absolute favorite instrument) behind him.

“Dotted Line” by Why Bonnie

Their first single after signing to Fire Talk, “Dotted Line”, proves Houston’s (now Brooklyn’s) Why Bonnie, led by Blair Howerton, has picked up right where she left off. The single maintains the grit of the band’s past work, rounded out with a more polished sound. The song juxtaposes the all too common frustrations of making music as an indie musician over an energetic instrumentation. After getting the chance to catch their live show at Baby’s All Right this month, their upcoming album is definitely something to keep an eye out for.

“Julia” by Crate

New York’s Crate has a single line description on Bandcamp; “like a warm hug”. This description rings true with their debut single “Julia”. After a slow build of synth and drums for almost a minute and a half, it comes crashing down when the guitars come in, and you are enveloped in a sea of warm distortion. After being lucky enough to see them open for A Country Western at Trans Pecos, I was blown away by their sound and can safely say it’s one that is only better live. Here’s to hoping that more music is coming on the way from them soon!

“Trudy” by One Wheel Fireworks Show

To finish on a sadder note, Ashville’s Will Cole, releasing music under the title One Wheel Fireworks Show, delivers a full album of songs as devastating as they are beautiful. “Trudy”, a tribute to the all too relatable despair of an aging dog, the song’s namesake also being who the album is partially dedicated to, and just might be the best of both. Cole sings softly over a steady hum of fuzz with a single guitar before a short slide guitar solo finishes the song. The song reads like a page from a diary with its heartfelt sincerity which is driven home by a minute of audio clips about dogs and Asheville that extends the melancholic feeling of the track.

Written by Will McRae
Cassidy’s Hi-5’s!

May 10th, 2024

Written by Cassidy Byrnes

Every Friday, a staff member at the ugly hug curates a list of their five favorite new(ish) releases to share with us all. This week, our writer Cassidy put together a list of indie-folk heartthrobs, twangy love songs and bedroom pop spinners.

“Right Back to It” by Waxahatchee (feat. MJ Lenderman)

Ugh, I just love achy country twang songs. Waxahatchee, the project of Katie Crutchfield, has become one of my favorite artists over the past couple of years. Listening to her album Saint Cloud took my life in a new direction, and that direction was my return to loving country or country-adjacent music. She recently released her sixth solo, full-length project, Tigers Blood, which is where “Right Back to It” resides. This track features MJ Lenderman of the band Wednesday, whom we love here at The Ugly Hug. In the way of production, the bass line offers a swing-and-sway and allows for a haunting little banjo melody to peak its way through. As the title implies, this song is all about falling back into the arms of a past flame. The comfort that appears when you’re around someone who knows you so well, while also knowing all the reasons it never worked out. A vicious cycle.

“Leave” by Phoebe Go

Phoebe Go popped up on my radar back in October with her release “Something You Were Trying,” and then, serendipitously, she ended up opening for Briston Maroney on the first half of his U.S. tour at the end of 2023/early 2024, which I was in attendance for in Milwaukee, WI.
Building up to her first album release, Marmalade, on May 17th she has been releasing absolutely stinger singles. I would say banger but everyone has given me some extreme heartburn while listening. “Leave” is the third single released in this circuit and holy smokes. The guitar work along with the easy-going drums make a perfect canvas for a devastating self-analysis of relationship insecurities. Asking the question, “Are you gonna leave me? / Tell me what’s it gonna be?” There is a little “huh” that adds an extra pang during the chorus, and I just love production treasures like that.

“Heart Shaped Locket” by Shallow Alcove

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8ZBZEgTpJs&pp=ygUiaGVhcnQgc2hhcGVkIGxvY2tldCBzaGFsbG93IGFsY292ZQ%3D%3D

If this song came out in 2019/2020, I genuinely think it would have ruined my life. “Heart Shaped Locket,” offers a devastating narrative about growing up and leaving the comfort of home. The gorgeous harmonies created by the band of friends make the deep ache of letting go grow exponentially. I highly recommend listening to this one horizontally with a box of tissues nearby. Check out Shallow Alcove’s most recent release Keepsakes.

“Chariot” by Babehoven

Babehoven has easily become a staple in my rotation after seeing them open for Slow Pulp back in November. “Chariot” is a part of their new project Water’s Here In You released last Friday. This song feels like a hug after a long day of doing something you didn’t enjoy. I often listen to it on my walk home from work and it just puts me at ease. The mellow guitars and laid-back bass lines offer a warm tenderness which is also reflected in the soothing lyrics, “This time, you’re moving through it, you’ve found a way out / And you’re gonna keep it close / This time you’re clean, between and you’ll be / Sparkling even through the chaos.” It’s like a hype song without the hype.

“Sadness As A Gift” by Adrianne Lenker

This one was hard to put words to. Adrianne Lenker has a pure talent for writing the most gut-wrenching songs while leaving enough space for the listener to apply their own experiences to them. “Sadness As A Gift” was the second single released in preparation for her new album Bright Future, which dropped back in March. Lenker takes us through a break-up in the span of this 4-minute and 19-second track, and while not going into too much detail, allows the listener inside of the relationship with her intense lyrics. Starting with, “You and I both know / There is nothing more to say,” in order to take us on this journey of acceptance and understanding. Rather than leaving in anger, she leaves with an appreciation for everything the relationship was.
Kat’s Hi-5’s!

April 26th, 2024

Written by Kat Curey

Every Friday, a staff member at the ugly hug curates a list of their five favorite new(ish) releases to share with us all. This week, our writer and photographer Kat put together a list of swooning tin-can laments, indie-folk gems and coarse pensive rockers.

Will Roesner – “Ant”

Will Roesner, based out of New Orleans, LA has been gifting us with singles consistently throughout the year and I always get a dopamine rush when I hear one of his new releases. “Ant” is one of my favorites from the last batch of releases. I’m a sucker for a slow, sad burn and Roesner delivers just that. With a lo-fi guitar, a little twang, layered vocals, and cutting lyrics it checks all the boxes. Every time I listen I imagine the meme of a sad little ant with a sack over its shoulder (if you know you know), so bonus points for that. If you’re into the worlds of Elliot Smith, Alex G, and Greg Mendez, Will Roesner will be a perfect addition. Check out his last albums Farms and Stuff and Spirit, Hello for more lo-fi indie/folk goodness.

meg elsier – “forlyleinsanfrancisco“

Nothing catches my attention quite like an angsty alt-pop song. Thanks to meg elsier my emo alter ego is nurtured. I became a devoted listener with the discovery of last fall’s single “ifshitfuq”. elsier has not failed to impress, putting out one reliable track after another, perfect for singing along to in the car. “forlyleinsanfrancisco” features a driving electric guitar and a nice slow build that results in a noisy and ever-satisfying resolve. Her full-length album spittake, to be released this summer, will undoubtedly be an authentic and vibrant collection of tunes to follow.

True Green – “Buzzerbeater”

“Buzzerbeater” off of Dan Hornsby’s debut album My Lost Decade has been on heavy rotation for the last few months. Hornsby, who is also an author (Sucker, Via Negativa) brilliantly crafts songs through idiosyncratic narratives and character depictions that never fail to engage and beguile. My attachment to “Buzzerbeater” likely stems from my affinity for mathy fingerpicking, an egg shaker, and lyrics that evoke a reflective and nostalgic mood. I recommend enjoying the album in its entirety on a sunny walk in a park to compliment My Lost Decade’s breezy warmth. Fans of Slaughter Beach, Dog, and Trace Mountains might be particularly drawn to this one.

Bloomsday – “Dollar Slice”

Brooklyn-based artist, Bloomsday, has steadily become one of my holy grail artists alongside other East Coast talents in similar taste like Babehoven, Sadurn, and Sister.. Bloomsday always offers crisp, deeply satisfying, tender reflections on the human experience. One of three of their latest singles, “Dollar Slice” has been a welcomed companion to the blossoms of spring. “Dollar Slice” pulls out all the stops with layered vocals of my dreams, perfect touches of twang, and subtle percussive adornments. You’ll likely leave the song with a softened sense of self and a more regulated nervous system. Keep your eyes out for the album release of Heart of the Artichoke off Bayonet Records on June 7th, just in time to complement the soundtrack of your summer.

Sour Widows – “Cherish”

Sour Widows, the trio from the Bay Area, is my go to band for all my alt rock needs; dark guitar tones, slow builds, and pensive contemplations on life. Sour Widows are masters of duality, always simultaneously portraying the tenderness and harshness of life. “Cherish” achieves so much in the matter of 5 minutes. The song slowly builds and eventually crashes into the chorus’ tender harmonic plea, “I wanna be cherished by you, not feared by you”. The song’s clashing resolution provides the catharsis of a good car scream. I love to listen to Sour Widows alongside other melancholic alt-rock bands like Title Fight and Crisman. Don’t miss the release of their first full length album Revival of a Friend, out on June 28 via Exploding In Sound.
Manon’s Hi-5’s!

April 19th, 2024

Written by Manon Bushong

Every Friday, a staff member at the ugly hug curates a list of their five favorite new(ish) releases to share with us all. This week, our writer, photographer and “whine” snob, Manon Bushong, shares a list of heavy hitters and sweaty basement cathartics.

Forest – “Always Forever”

This song has been haunting me in the best possible way since the first time I heard it, and I urge anyone who also harbors a soft spot for a good scream to give it a listen. Forest’s frigid voice paired with compelling percussion and, of course, a series of sporadic shrieking in the latter half cements “Always Forever” as a must listen for anyone partial to the brusque nature of Babes in Toyland or eerie vocals of bands like julie and Double Virgo.

Interlay – “Lure”

Although Alexandria Ortgiesen could sing the Liberty Mutual jingle and I would without a doubt have it on repeat, I believe Interlay’s latest single is one of their best yet. The Chicago-based band has been a favorite of mine since the moment I heard Cicada; a powerhouse EP teeming with abrasive post-punk sounds and welcoming motifs of death and decay. With the release of “Lure”, Interlay reminds us not to put them in a box. The softness of Ortigiesen’s vocals, absence of the overbearing guitar of Cicada, and the song’s general melancholic nature pitches the band well into shoegaze territory. “Lure” evokes a resemblance to legends of the genre like Lush and Blonde Redhead without abandoning Interlay’s signature harrowing grunge feel.

MX LONELY – “Papercuts”

“Papercuts” is my favorite off of MX LONELY’s “SPIT”, an EP analogous to Wednesday’s “Rat Saw God” if you swapped the Asheville ethos and twang for heavy-gaze and Brooklyn grit. The lyrics recall a disturbing dream about killing a friend to end their paper-cut induced suffering, a morbid concept intensified by heavy guitar riffs and increasingly distressed vocals. Bonus points for a sinister 90s-esque music video.

Shitkid – “Dirty Guy”

Though Åsa Söderqvist technically retired from her solo project ShitKid in 2021, she recently spoiled us all with the release of an alternate studio version of her debut LP “Fish” (appropriately titled “Rejected Fish”). “Dirty Guy” is a previously withheld track that explores the innate desire and internal battle attached to pining after a person who’s bad for you. My favorite quality of ShitKid’s work that feels especially present in “Dirty Guy” is her ability to hone the perfect whiny vocal. An allegiance to the discographies of Bratmobile, Emily’s Sassy Lime, and Heavens to Betsy have made me a “whine” snob, but I can attest that ShitKid has mastered this eclectic craft in a way that’s both raw and euphonious.

Kim Gordon – “I’m A Man”

Though I applaud the entirety of Gordon’s new solo album, “I’m A Man” is the chilling lo-fi track of my dreams. Gordon is no stranger to critiquing masculinity, yet she is perpetually up to date in terms of content, delivery and sound. “I’m A Man” is a hysterical commentary on the way male toxicity manifests today, referencing painted nails and skirts as a means of absolving blame and singing from the perspective of a character who wants us all to know it’s NOT his fault he was born a man. Though it’s undoubtedly divergent from her prior work, the Sonic Youth co-founder’s distinctive droning vocal style layered over trap beats on this song could have easily catapulted Gordon into a career of SoundCloud virality or Brooklyn DJ niche fame.
Audrey’s Hi-5’s!

April 12th, 2024

Written by Audrey Keelin

Every Friday, a staff member at the ugly hug curates a list of their five favorite new(ish) releases to share with us all. Starting us off is our co-editor and graphic designer, Audrey Keelin and this variety filled list.

Blue Ranger – Close Your Eyes

This entire record has me delighted, but the last song on the album, “Stoned Reply,” blew me away. With the anthemic qualities of an indie heater but sitting at eight minutes and 30 seconds, Blue Ranger establishes their place in contemporaries like Fust, Sluice, and Hovvdy. If you like any of these artists you’ll be sure to lose yourself in the slow-burn artistry of a constant rise like “Stoned Reply.”

mary in the junkyard – “marble arch”

The whimsical mary in the junkyard, another incredible act to make its way up and out through south London’s iconic Windmill Brixton scene, delivers magnetic, whispery vocals, stank-face percussion, and punctuated melismas. With a fascinating set of music videos, mary in the junkyard have been consistently providing a mysterious, fascinating image for listeners, releasing small bits of music leaving us begging for a full album. Listen if you like Fiona Apple melodies, post-rock rhythm, and the lyrical visceral imagery of bands like Black Country, New Road.

The Last Whole Earth Catalog – “Have You Ever?”

Dan of LWEC blesses us with yet another act of prolific music making with his new song, “Have You Ever?”. Since catching a LWEC set in North London in 2021, I’ve been sitting on the edge of my seat, with awe at Dan’s constant craft and flowing, stream-of-consciousness creativity. His act of rhythmic surprise, his tendency to layer vocals like a sweet sandwich, and his mastery of warm, almost visual, acoustics create a dynamic scene unlike anything else I’ve ever heard. Please listen for a journey of surprise and sincere genre-defying magic that somehow manages to resolve quite comfortably.

Ugly (UK) – “Icy Windy Sky”

Ugly has consistently made me feel validated in the face of the beauty of grief. This new tune, “Icy Windy Sky,” carries the energy of a bossa standard I’d hear at a weekly dive-bar jazz jam but manages to compile influence from traditional English folk, ultimately carrying the familiarity of a song I thought I always had the chance to listen to but never knew I needed. Listen if you like the Dirty Projectors, Fairport Convention, dissonant harmonies, beautiful cover art, and a driving bassist.

Masakatsu Takagi – “Marginalia #151”

I’ve recently become really obsessed with new releases from Masakatsu Takagi, namely works from his “Marginalia” series. Known for writing scores, namely making music for the Studio Ghibli documentary The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness (2013), Takagi’s music instantly makes your life into an animated film, slows down your heart rate, and adds romantic vibrancy to the world around you.