Ugly - Twice Around the Sun EP

Cambridge six-piece, Ugly, make themselves known to 2024. The Twice Around the Sun, because once isn't quite enough, EP snugly fits in with the recent bout of Art Rock rainfall. Ugly's sonic spheres are richly textured and expertly crafted pieces of weather-like - ever-changing - mood. 

A plethora of voices gets the project underway - The Wheel emerges through this coming together and falling apart of the oldest instrument in the book - the human voice. Said voices intertwine, align and harmonise. It's apparent from the get-go that Twice Around the Sun is going to be some fairly intricate and eclectic material - lushly layered; densely detailed; soothingly vivid.

Influence is worn on sleeves. 'Sha' sounds like a blend of Weezer's 'Undone(The Sweater Song)' if twisted by Yo La Tengo and Cocteau Twins' Elisabeth Fraser turns up to the studio to spill offset and eerily familiar abstract language. Phonetically within reach, but meaning flees from grip. The ear somewhat understands, but the mind can't interpret the flopping of throat and tongue. Supertramp comes through in the wayward wails throughout the project - skyward cries of existential abandon ring out in sigh-like, grief-ridden, soul-piercing hums of anguish. Ween's 'Transdermal Celebration' can be found in the opening moments of 'Shephard's Carol'. A subconscious uprooting?

'I'm Happy You're Here' is drop-dead gorgeous. The happy-sad vibe that drifts up and out feels like a gentle reminder of things close to home, close to the heart; the rise and fall of the guitar is like a wearily elegant rollercoaster of emotion. Maybe better days are in the past, but who's to say that they won't come again?

A gorgeous blend of acoustic and electric, quirky and conventional, Twice Around the Sun strikes the sweetspot where the best of both bolsters the best of each other. An attention to detail - the finer things - makes Twice Around the Sun a jaw-dropping listening experience; it's something to sink into; to happily surrender to.

'Have the times become your only friend?'