“Mid-Atlantic Dub” is the jamming new Bumpin Uglies album and I’d have to say it’s my favorite album from the band yet! It takes years for a band to find its sound and perfect it, and “Mid-Atlantic Dub” highlights Bump Uglies grooving sweet spot blending reggae, rock, and pop music.

If you haven’t listened to the Sugarshack podcast featuring Bumpin Uglies frontman Brandon Hardesty then I highly recommend it! It’s such an interesting glimpse into the band’s story and will automatically make you appreciate and love everything Bumpin Uglies stand for.

Speaking of Brandon, he is incredibly talented and you will be taken aback by his amazing songwriting, catchy vocals, and simple but powerful guitar licks across the album. For example, the album’s first song, “Make It Through The Day”. The track is fun yet deep and Dave Wolf drops an irie bass line that will have you vibing.

I love Bumpin Uglies’ collaboration with SOJA’s Jacob Hemphill in “Slow Burn”. The band slows down the pace with Wolf’s bass line and the vocal combination of Hardesty and Hemphill is epic. The lyrics about how it’s not about the destination but the journey is powerful and inspiring.

One of my favorite songs on “Mid-Atlantic Dub” is “No Love” featuring Little Stranger. This song is so good! Not only does it marry reggae, rock, and pop, but you can throw hip hop in the mix! Hardesty showcases his ability to flow in the verse and then brings the song together with a catchy hook. Little Stranger is becoming a must have feature on reggae rock albums and they put their creative spin and vibe on this rocking song. Bumpin Uglies’ drummer, TJ Haslett, really brings it in “No Love”!

SOJA’s Trevor Young is also featured. The song “Screens” has more of a punk rock vibe and I love its message about the importance of living in the moment. This is a really cool song and it’s one of my favorite guitar tracks on the album.

Ethan Lichtenberger drops catchy keys and horns in “You Don’t Gotta Die” and Hardesty reflects on not getting caught up in drugs and alcohol. Much respect for sharing this message for all that need to hear it!

One of the best parts of the reggae community is the close knit bond felt between the bands, artists and fans. It’s great to hear the collaboration between Bumpin Uglies, Ballyhoo!, and Tropidelic in “Healthy Competition”. All of these bands are killing it and I love them getting on this track together.

The band addresses their name and rocky journey to stardom in “Stupid Name”. I love Hardesty’s lyrics and the band’s hustle and commitment to reaching their goals. It’s fair to say they have reached those and are climbing even higher as reggae rock mainstays.

“One Day At A Time” showcases Hardesty’s talent as a guitarist and vocalist. The song beautifully sums up this journey we call life and the ups and downs we each go through. Artists like Hardesty that truly open themselves up are rare yet truly the best, because they aren’t hiding - they want us to feel their emotions. Bumpin Uglies outdid themselves in “Mid-Atlantic Dub” and we’re lucky to have these rocking songs to feel and sing along to.

By CB.

Album Review: Bumpin Uglies perfect the band’s sweet spot in “Mid-Atlantic Dub”

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