Bumpin Uglies' latest album, Climbing Up the Wall, marks a significant chapter in the band's evolution. Following their celebrated release of their last album, Lyrics Over Everything, this latest record showcases the band's enduring commitment to authenticity, bold storytelling, and their steadfast dedication to evolving their craft.

Consisting of 14 tracks, Climbing Up the Wall vividly explores personal battles, emotional vulnerabilities, and the intricacies of everyday life. Frontman and songwriter Brandon Hardesty dives deep, tackling themes of addiction, mental health, and love with an unfiltered lyrical honesty that resonates profoundly. The album opens with "Sweet Tooth, " a candid look at addiction's lingering grip, juxtaposing upbeat melodies against stark reflections. Meanwhile, songs like "Back in Bed" provide an intimate, tender snapshot of comfort found within personal connections, highlighting the band's versatility and emotional depth.

With "Burn it Down" and the dynamic road-trip tribute "I-95, " Bumpin Uglies channels their renowned live energy into studio recordings, capturing the spirit and gritty charm fans have grown to expect. The album also showcases notable collaborations, most prominently on the pre-released track "Orange Crush, " featuring Logan Rex of Artikal Sound System. The song blends buoyant pop melodies with reggae undertones, perfectly capturing the tension and allure of a fleeting, passionate romance.

Further pushing their musical boundaries, "Thirst Trap" introduces hip-hop influences paired with an engaging R&B chorus, showcasing the band's creative willingness to experiment beyond conventional genre norms. Tracks such as "The Crown" and "Vultures" stand out for their incisive commentary on societal expectations, industry pressures, and personal authenticity, further amplifying the band's stance on remaining true to their values and artistic identity.

Throughout the record, Hardesty’s lyricism remains both relatable and profoundly reflective. Songs like "Crawling Up the Wall" and "Darkness" delve deeply into mental health struggles, candidly confronting anxiety, depression, and the isolation that often accompanies them. Yet, there’s a prevailing sense of hope and resilience woven throughout the album—particularly evident in songs such as "Growing Pains" and "Falling, " which grapple openly with fatherhood, legacy, and the balance of personal fulfillment against familial responsibility.

Continuing their signature independent approach, Climbing Up the Wall preserves the gritty, authentic production style that has become synonymous with Bumpin Uglies. Distributed independently, the album’s production emphasizes emotional clarity and lyrical poignancy over polished perfection, further strengthening their deep connection with fans.

With a fiercely loyal following known as Uglies Nation, Bumpin Uglies’ commitment to their craft and their audience remains unshakeable. This album cements their reputation for delivering music that is both introspective and rebellious, deeply personal yet universally accessible.

About Bumpin Uglies:
Bumpin Uglies, proudly hailing from Annapolis, Maryland, have cultivated a dedicated fanbase through relentless touring, powerful songwriting, and an unwavering DIY ethos. Formed in 2008, the band's core lineup consists of Brandon Hardesty (vocals, lead guitar), Brent Schraffenberger (bass), T.J. Haslett (drums), Ethan Lichtenberger (keys, trombone, trumpet, backing vocals), and Will Lopez (saxophone). Their extensive discography—including well-received albums such as Go Folk Yourself, Mid-Atlantic Dub, and Lyrics Over Everything—showcases their dynamic musical approach that blends reggae rhythms, punk spirit, ska grooves, and heartfelt folk storytelling. Their honest, unfiltered approach to songwriting resonates deeply with fans, fostering an inviting and tightly-knit community known as Uglies Nation.

Through 25 years and eight independent albums, the last four on their own RightCoast Records, Ballyhoo! have earned the exclamation point which marks theirname. Starting in the basement of their mom’s Aberdeen, MD, home, rockingout on guitar and drums respectively, practicing every day, brothers Howi andDonald Spangler formed the proto-punk band in the mold of Green Day andNirvana, with an eye towards the emerging ska genre led by Goldfinger, Sublime,311 and No Doubt.The group’s eighth and most recent studio album, the breezy, ska-fueled, hook-filled Message to the World, on their own Right Coast Records,finds the self-declared “beach-rockers,” having grown up in public, accepting theresponsibilities of adulthood while still hanging on to their dreams of worlddomination. Stylistically, their music ranges from the hard-edged punk of 2018’sDetonate, which captured the feelings of anger and depression from dealingwith personal loss and the exhaustion generated by over a decade on the roadto the island reggae beats of the follow-up, Message to the World.“Whatever you want to achieve, just focus on that and work towards it,” explainsHowi about the Ballyhoo! ethos. “Don’t worry about followers, views, or evenmoney. Just keep making good stuff. One day it may be possible tofinally quitthat day job and live your dream full time.”Ballyhoo! is still doing just that,purveying good vibes, positivity and fun live shows meant to take you away fromreal life...

For his entire life Joey Harkum has been strumming a guitar and after a decade of touring as the lead singer and songwriter of Baltimore-based band Pasadena, he released his debut solo album, Love and Labor, to critical acclaim in 2016.  Known for his deep and poignant lyrics telling stories of joy, love, loss and sadness, Joey brings the human experience to life through his relentless tour schedule that culminated in the release of Live at Buffalo Iron Works in 2018. 2020 brought new challenges but Joey has responded with writing and recording new music and has released his brand new album “Storyboard” in March of 2021. Catch him on tour now or online at joeyharkummusic.com.

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