‘…the best that Ugly Jumper have ever sounded, and the most exciting part is that this is only the very beginning of a very busy year…’
It was all change for Merseyside emo rockers Ugly Jumper during 2025. After re-establishing themselves as a five-piece with brand new guitarist Lucas, the band would go on to release ‘Spit’ in February, before amicably parting ways with longtime drummer Loz Riley (Arcadia Ego, Kira Mac). Outwardly, the band entered a period of silence, but behind the scenes, it was perseverance as usual.
2026 is primed to be the band’s biggest year yet, and kicking it off with a favourite from their live sets is an excellent move. ‘Captain Andy Pants’ takes a scrappy indie rock backbone and decorates it with midwest emo flourishes to produce something frantic and fun. The dual guitar work is a great addition to the band’s sound, as founding member Nat Owens (Arcadia Ego, Monroe, Buried In Amber) and newcomer Lucas (Never Or Now) spar with one another through the medium of math rock licks.
The track fizzes with an infectious rhythmic foundation, featuring session work from Riley, whilst the track’s name sake Andy Moores lays down fuzzy, effervescent bass lines. Atop of the bristling furore of the instrumental, vocalist KC delivers a surprisingly despondent lyrical performance, capturing the sensation of being trapped in a relationship and the erosion of the self. The bold melodies that have marked much of Ugly Jumper’s material are present and accounted for, but KC brings an unseen degree of confidence and unapologetic force to this new track; the concept of a strict vocal melody is abandoned, permitting her to deliver the lyrics with a ferocious attitude, wit, and bite.
The finishing touch is undoubtedly the superb production and mastering work from Jake Gore, who has a clear understanding of what Ugly Jumper requires for their sound. This is undoubtedly the best that Ugly Jumper have ever sounded, and the most exciting part is that this is only the very beginning of a very busy year for the five-piece.
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Featured photo credit belongs to Jenn (@lens_of_a_wool).
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