EP REVIEW: Ugly Jumper – Everything Is Not Alright!

‘…the band’s future direction feels clearer and brighter than ever; this is the sound of an emo band that, in their refusal to adhere to expectation or convention, has the potential for a masterpiece…’

Having formed back in 2023, Merseyside’s Ugly Jumper have been a steadfast fixture within the region’s grassroots scene. The alternative rock outfit have spent the past three years releasing a steady flow of singles, and playing every venue possible in Liverpool, establishing themselves as an emo-adjacent outfit loaded with potential. 2025 was a quieter year for the band, with their February single ‘Spit‘ being followed up by line-up changes and only a smattering of live performances. It is now clear, however, that the quietness was well worth enduring.

The band’s debut EP, ‘Everything Is Not Alright!‘, is undoubtedly home to their most polished, compelling, and downright enjoyable work to date. Four tracks long, and packing the previously reviewed, fantastically fun ‘Captain Andy Pants‘, this is the sound of Ugly Jumper truly taking themselves seriously, and delivering emo banger after emo banger. Certainly, tracks such as ‘hate me, please‘ and ‘Decade Ago‘ remain incredible listens, but what the band have developed for this EP serves as the essential introduction to the world of Ugly Jumper.

‘Television! Teacher! Mother! Secret Lover!’ is an absolute firecracker of a track, with math rock licks cascading about atop of pure pop-punk brilliance; it’s hooky, creative, and wickedly fun throughout. Guitarist Nat Owens takes on a co-vocalist role on this number, with his ferocious screams and steadfast melodies working perfectly in tandem with the bold, chaotic whimsy of Kaicee Hamer. The tempo switch to a steady walking rhythm sets the tension to a rolling simmer, before erupting into a raging boil of a final chorus.

‘Penny Pot’ is a far more muted number that showcases to the greatest degree just how much of a phenomenal talent Hamer is. Certainly, Hamer is possessing of power and emotion in her performances, but her reluctance to adhere to a squeaky-clean delivery sets her aside as an artist you cannot help but be wholly entranced by. The track builds with a gradual instrumental swell towards a towering indie rock climax, and Hamer does not simply perform atop of this, but instead inhabits the very fibres of the track’s being. This is the sound of not merely performance, but lived experience.

Kudos must be given to producer Jake Gore. Anybody can produce, mix, and master, but it is incredibly clear that Gore has understood Ugly Jumper on a foundational level, and brought their sound to life perfectly. The EP is at times a raw and scrappy affair, and at other times polished and poppy, all without ever feeling incongruous. Every element is permitted space to shine; Andy Moores’ bass lines can be felt in the very foundation of your being, whilst the dual guitar work sounds fantastically dizzying throughout.

‘Everything Is Not Alright!’ feels like the end of the beginning for Ugly Jumper, and the start of their most exciting chapter yet. The bulk of their live set now has a studio recording to accompany it, and the band’s future direction feels clearer and brighter than ever; this is the sound of an emo band that, in their refusal to adhere to expectation or convention, has the potential for a masterpiece. Here’s to never playing the Jacaranda Basement again.

RATING: 78/100

For Fans Of: Origami Angel, Soot Sprite, Chase Petra, blink-182, Paramore

Follow the band on social media below:

Instagram // Bandcamp