Ugly

From the solemn grandeur of the English choral tradition to the exploratory sounds of post-rock, by way of prog, jazz and art pop, Ugly create a sound that brings experimentation and collective vocals together. The London six-piece have announced their return to Italy, at Locomotiv Club, to present The South Facade, their debut album, due out on 23 October 2026 and preceded by the singles Marina and Gallowine.

Formed in Cambridge in 2016, Ugly have evolved from an indie quartet into a distinctive presence on Britain’s emerging alt-rock scene. Their interwoven guitars, driving percussion and vocal harmonies give rise to compositions that move between visceral intensity and intricate arrangements. After years of live shows, 2024 marked a breakthrough with Twice Around The Sun, a debut EP embraced by critics and audiences alike. It also won over Anthony Fantano of The Needle Drop, who awarded it 8/10. Appearances at festivals including Green Man, End of the Road and Pitchfork Paris, along with a sold-out show at London’s Village Underground in 2025, cemented the band’s reputation. DIY described their music as “Immersive, deeply evocative, and movingly communal”, while The Times highlighted their ability to weave different genres into a cohesive musical whole.

Written over almost three years, The South Facade emerged from a collaborative creative process, with each track taking shape through an exchange of ideas among all six musicians. The first sessions took place in a converted barn overlooking Ely Cathedral, before continuing in rehearsal rooms, studios and on stage. The songs were repeatedly taken apart and rebuilt, in a process centred on experimentation and a refusal to settle for predictable solutions.