Bumpin Uglies prove once again they are punk rock meets reggae heavy hitters in “Lyrics Over Everything”
Bumpin Uglies prove once again they are punk rock meets reggae heavy hitters in “Lyrics Over Everything”
I had my first chance to see Bumpin Uglies play live back at Cali Vibes and they punch a lot of power in every strum and lyric.
The band’s new album, “Lyrics Over Everything” brilliantly follows up 2022’s “Mid-Atlantic Dub”, which was one of my favorite albums that year.
Bumpin Uglies frontman Brandon Hardesty is one of reggae rock’s best lyricists and his refreshingly honest reflections and motivational energy is taking the band from underdog to a well deserved staying placement in the scene.
Take the album’s opening track “Underdog” - the song has killer guitar and Hardesty immediately pumps you up turning our worries into inspiration to believe in yourself and even when doubt emerges.
I love the song’s jamming bass line, horns and catchy drums that drop in the second verse. Bumpin Uglies are able to seamless transition form punk to reggae rock in a unique fashion.
You hear more of that convergence in the head banger “Passion is Contagious” featuring Kyle Smith. Hardesty and Smith get listeners amped to keep grinding and to push forward. This is such a rad jam!
The album’s title track features Bumpin Uglies fellow Maryland artist Joey Harlem. I love this song for so many reasons and it’s another example of Hardesty’s greatness as a storyteller. The song shares a powerful message that it’s never too late to live and to do your best no matter. Hark contributes a memorable verse pointing to reincarnation.
More of the ska vibes are felt in “High Hopes” a song about enjoying the moment and taking it easy on yourself when everything is building up around you. Once again the band punches smooth horns and drums on top of Hardesty’s memorable guitar work.
One of the things that I appreciate so much about Bumpin Uglies and Hardesty is that every lyric pronunciation packs a punch and “Cheat Code” showcases the band’s swag yet humble beliefs. Hardesty throws down a shredding guitar solo. You really feel the band’s punk background on this big tune.
Speaking of rocking guitars, “Forever to Go” goes super hard and would be a cool one to hear the band play live. Bumpin Uglies sets are able to blend their musical genre influences and can definitely help wake you up following a more island reggae show.
Hardesty is able to craft smooth reggae rock guitar licks with his eyes closed and I really like the hook in “Yin and the Yang” that blends in some more lovely horns. The song is about being ok with differences of option and appreciating that opposites do attract.
One of my favorite songs on the LP is “Spinning Plates”. This sounds like one of Bumpin Uglies patented fan favorites like “Island Time” and “Bad Decisions” and is the perfect addition to your hang out or party playlist. Hardesty’s openness as an artist and ability to craft catchy sing along words makes him stand out and this song is another smash to their thriving music catalog.
“End” is another beautiful track about balancing the ups and down while truly appreciating what we have in life. Bumpin Uglies are amongst the best bands in reggae rock today and I applaud them for this innovative album. Appreciate this album, turn it up loud and know that the band is just getting started with so many powerful songs ahead. Lyrics over everything!
By CB.
