SINGLE REVIEW: Ugly Jumper – Spit

The self-described band for ‘emo losers’, Ugly Jumper have already quite the name for themselves on the local Merseyside circuit. Between a great collection of singles released across 2024, and a reputation for fantastically fun live shows, the four-piece have already found their new year packed with opportunities, including a supporting slot with Bruise Control, and a headline show thanks to legendary local promoters No Play. Somehow, the band have also managed to find their time to release a brand new single in the form of ‘Spit’, and one can only assume all that stands between Ugly Jumper and total world domination is the fact there are too few hours in a day.

‘Spit’ is a hazy little number, marked by a jangly acoustic core draped in playful electric guitar melodies, dreamy yet restless vocals, and simple rhythms that offer subtly compelling grooves. It all feels slightly 90’s, with the track’s bittersweet and softly nostalgic musical ideas eschewing the band’s usual emo focus for more of a clear-cut alternative rock sound, delivered with that usual Ugly Jumper charm. This gently restrained nature plays perfectly into the wounded anxiety at the track’s thematic core, with its exploration of the fear you are too much for those around you.

The core simplicity of this track enables the listener to truly appreciate the musicianship present within this band. Vocalist Kaicee Jade is a bewitching figure, with her unique annunciation and powerful, strident tones lending a confessional tone to her intense performance. Meanwhile at the foundations of the track, bassist Andy Moores offers a melancholic and melodic performance that truly comes to life in the track’s cascading back half; it’s a true delight to hear Moores capture such a wistful and bluesy sound.

‘Spit’ is the sound of Ugly Jumper taking themselves a little more seriously, without losing their charismatic energy. With every release, it becomes even more impossible to believe that the future is anything but bright for Ugly Jumper. There is a discernible power and charm to their music that only arises from a unit who not only share a potent chemistry, but seek to push themselves as far as they possibly can, turning non-believers into emo losers along the way.

For Fans Of: Crawlers, No Doubt, Shefu, Pale Waves, Deer Fang

Follow the band on social media below:

Instagram // Spotify