This week has been a real turning point in the weather, having consistent double digit temperatures and sunny warm days has meant I’ve enjoyed a lot more time outside. I think the song I have chosen really captures the sort of playful and joyous feeling I’m getting from the coming of spring. Ugly are a band I discovered back in March this year, they were supporting Bleach Lab at the Hare and Hounds, a wonderfully intimate venue and one very reminiscient of my favourite Leeds venue, the Brudenell. Having never listened to them before the night, but being vaguely aware of their existence I didn’t really know what to expect. A weird mish mash of country-esque tones, soft guitar and layered vocals was not what I was expecting, nevertheless it was a hugely pleasant surpise. Their EP Twice Around the Sun subsequently followed my discovery of them and I was not left dissappointed. Every song on that EP is brilliant in it’s own way and I really can’t wait for more from this brilliant and unique band.
Earlier in the week I was looking back at other albums that released recently, mainly to look for more recommendations for my friend who had pointed out that they enjoyed a few singles I recommended. These came from Gustaf, a punky band from new york, one which I discovered through their great single Dog which was played by Steve Lamacq on BBC 6 (I promise I’m not that old,,, yet). I love the strong drum beat (great to walk to!) and the amusing lyrics. The songs that I almost picked this week come from their second album and were Here Hair and Hard Hair. These songs come as a pair, where the first half builds slowly with a driving guitar almost too fast for the beat. Slowly more and more instruments build up and up until it all falls away and the song finishes, you almost feel like something is missing, at which point Hard Hair jumps straight in and gives you the release you crave for the whole first section.
The other artist I was looking back at was Lambrini Girls, a two woman led punk duo who are really not afraid to talk about what they want. Honestly, I can’t fault them and it’s one of the reasons I love them so much. Terf Wars has got to be one of my top songs from them, probably just because the problem is so personal to me and it feels great to shout about it (even if I’m not actually shouting). Their recent album Who Let the Dogs Out is a great culmination of many very pertinent issues in current times, including but not limited to police brutality, gentrification, body image issues and nepotism. It is this last subject that one of my favourite songs off the album Filthy Rich Nepo Baby broaches, the short intro song “Scarcity is Fake (communist propoganda)” which is recording of Kwame Ture then leads into the heavy and growling guitars which I love so much. The lyrics are so fun to sing (more talk) along to and I really can’t wait to see this song live, I can just imagine the chaos live.
The track of the week:
See my friend Sof’s song of the week here!