With their new song ‘UGLY’, which was released on February 21st, Oswald Slain takes us on a journey to a period marked by iconic movements and unique trends. We travel back in time to the wild 70s, an era full of creative explosions and cultural upheavals.
The music of the Bristol-based rock band represents personal growth and musical development. A significant portion of their work was produced in early 2024 and is characterized by a reflective process. The sound? A touch of vintage and old-school rock, paired with honest, humorous, eccentric and expressive songwriting.
The band, formerly known as Little Thief, has graced prominent stages such as Glastonbury and BBC Radio 1. However, after this, the time has come to usher in a new musical era under a new name. As a follow-up to the debut single ‘Happiness Is Overrated’, released in November last year, Oswald Slain is releasing an exciting new track that has potential for both festival stages and wicked bar or pub nights.
The single, which will be on the debut EP Kiss Me On The Mouth, to be released in April, was one of the first works produced by the Bristol rock group in their home studio. The track was inspired by the 1997 film drama Boogie Nights and addresses the unvarnished, naked and sometimes repulsive dark truth behind the glittering façade of the adult entertainment industry of the 70s. Once characterised by glamour, fame, parties and wealth, the scene was increasingly dominated by drug abuse and self-destruction. The ugly comes to light, which lyricist and vocalist Fitzgerald describes as follows: “(we) wanted to make something gross and tacky with some pretty moments (…) I like things that aren’t perfect and people who are not afraid to just be themselves; everyone has an ugly side or a bad angle but that only adds to an overall greater beauty in my opinion.”
This character is also reflected musically, with a somewhat retro and vintage sound. The track is dominated by slapping drum beats, almost aggressive fuzzy guitars, and a significant amount of groove. A hint of wickedness, honesty, escapades, and naked ugliness echoes between the lines and in the midst of the soundscape.
With ‘UGLY‘, Oswald Slain presents an opportunity to enhance the diversity of your playlist. Anyone seeking a track that seamlessly blends traditional rock with a touch of modernity and timeless charisma and swagger, while simultaneously being a little provocative and intriguing, may check this one out.
You can look forward to the band’s UK tour starting on April 17, 2025, if you can’t get enough of it.
Written by: Vanessa Svejkovsky
Edited by: Marieke Weeda
