The debut single from UGLY CLUB is a hell of a tune – powerful, authentic and passionate. Those three things make it one of the most striking new releases of the summer and you really need to listen to it if you want to keep your hand on the (independent musical) pulse. Give UGLY CLUB a year or two and the quartet will be a shining star on the British sonic landscape. They already proved they can appeal to huge crowds – their singer Imogen performed alongside Hand the DJ’s at Download Festival to rave reviews.
Mix tape cover that also doubles as “Eyes Wide Shut” digital single sleeve
Official bio: Emerging from the vibrant music scene of Manchester, UGLY CLUB is poised to make waves in the alt-rock genre with their distinctive sound and innovative approach. Led by the charismatic Imogen Storey, UGLY CLUB’s genre-bending music spans from acoustic ballads to heavy rock anthems, all unified by compelling themes and powerful storytelling.
UGLY CLUB didn’t appear out of thin air. The band was previously known as Novustory and they amassed a fantastic following online. However, UGLY CLUB is not a simple reincarnation of a former project, just hidden under a different name. UGLY CLUB is a brand new entity, with completely new artistic vision, new music, new sound and stage presence. I can only compare it to a spiritual awakening of some sort – a person retains their experiences and knowledge but emerges as a completely distinct being, with a new outlook on life, new goals and needs. I’m very happy to see that UGLY CLUB are exploring new territories, new sounds and going out of their comfort zone to prove they are absolutely amazing artists. I know, I keep on praising emerging bands but I mean every word. They are much, much better than anything you see on a major label. In fact, labels should be utterly ashamed of themselves that they do not support new talent, but artificially create groups that need payola to even exist. Such wastefulness will one day be their fall. Remember EMI, once the biggest label in the world? It spectacularly went bankrupt in 2012 after a series of truly bad business decisions (including signings) and had to be rescued and bought by Warner Music. But I digress.
If we had the money, Vanadian Avenue would open our own record label and UGLY CLUB would be signed on the spot. They come as a full package: talent, great ideas, not being afraid to look for new solutions and their solid understanding of the music business. That’s the recipe for a good career. And with a single like “Eyes Wide Blind”, nobody would be able to say they are not a promising act. They are very promising and A&R’s at the majors’ payroll must be truly deaf and blind that they missed a band like this. Oh well.
Band photographed by Liam Maxwell
“Eyes Wide Blind” was written about struggling with gender identity but touches on a wider topic of acceptance and respect that people do not receive but it’s their right to have. Everything can be criticized, especially online these days – somebody’s weight, somebody’s clothes, life choices, skin colour. Vulnerable groups such as trans and non-binary, or people from minority backgrounds are often discriminated against, mistreated or ridiculed. But behind a certain fashion or appearance, there is always a human being that needs love and support. We are not simple creatures that can be categorized like books in a library. We change, evolve, we experiment. By trial and error, we become better versions of ourselves and our journeys should be respected and accepted. Every person is unique but societal expectations are often narrow and confining and many of us do not fit into them. What UGLY CLUB manages to brilliantly convey in this song (and the video!) is: always be kind and do not judge as people can surprise you. Don’t be a blind person with their eyes closed to the beauty of differences and variety that surrounds us.
“Eyes Wide Blind” is probably the longest song we reviewed in the past few weeks. It is nearly 4 minute long and I’m happy to say that they received plays from BBC Introducing and BBC Radio 1! Bands – don’t let anybody tell you that you should always record music that is less than 3 minutes or you will not receive airplay! I notice that things are changing and I’m very happy about it. The track was recorded at the band’s brand new shining Club Haus recording studios and produced by James Duckworth (aka Ducky), UGLY CLUB’s drummer.
“Eyes Wide Blind” is a fully fledged heavy rock track with slower verses that reminds me a bit of Evanescence and Hale. There is a rhythmic drumming, repeated guitar riffs and pulsing bass line. Imogen’s vocals are from another planet, this girl has a voice like no other, an absolute gift. She can sing any part, no matter how hard, from a ballad, to semi spoken to a mad heavy metal howl. She is a powerhouse that could power half of the country in case of a blackout! I love the black-metal growl in the background of the chorus, a really neat trick.
6 stars out of 5, one of the best debuts we heard in the last 12 months.
Follow Ugly Club online:
https://www.uglyclubofficial.com/
https://www.instagram.com/weareuglyclub/
https://www.tiktok.com/@weareuglyclub?lang=en
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5s7VdvEojBKMO8vu2EbGmY?si=LJz-dwxfQFC091RfBryIRA
https://www.facebook.com/weareuglyclubofficial
https://x.com/weareuglyclub
https://www.youtube.com/@weareuglyclub
“Eyes Wide Blind” is out now and it will be part of the band’s mix tape that will be released in October. We can’t wait to review it!
Rita Dabrowicz
Indieterria 
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