Ugly - Twice Around The Sun
Ugly - Twice Around The Sun
Some virtuosic progressive pop rock with an absolutely infectious sense of fun.
I think that this kind of complicated art rock lives and dies by the feeling of delight that emanates from it. When music is very technically proficient and for lack of a better word: noodly, it really needs to have a self-awareness and joy. If it doesn’t, it starts to feel dour and overly intellectualized. No matter how brilliant it may be on paper, it becomes boring.
Every iota of Ugly’s obvious musical genius is leveraged to make marvelous hooks and delicious melodies. This has all the symphonic power of prog rock channeled into pure pop pleasure.
I don’t really know how to fully describe this one. I’m not sure I’ve ever heard anything quite like it. It’s hard to name influences, because the music changes so often. I hear Queen-esque falsettos, Celtic folk, Joni Mitchell guitar tone, and so so so much more.
I’m recommending this one at the top of my voice. PLEASE listen to it.
Highlights: The Wheel • Icy Windy Sky • Shepherd’s Carol
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