Berliner Abendpost - Ugly (UK) Brings Chamber Pop and Halloween Masks to Rough Trade Nottingham

Cambridge-based ensemble Ugly (UK) performed a theatrical set at Rough Trade in Nottingham on Halloween night, marking their first major live appearances following the release of their debut album. The six-piece band, known for its intricate harmonies and angular sound, played to an audience while wearing beige nylon-tight masks over their heads.

The performance took place on October 31, 2026, in the attic venue of Rough Trade Nottingham. The group’s choice of headwear was a specific reference to the holiday, with guitarist Harrison Jones noting that the tights were purchased from a local Primark store on Long Row. Vocalist Jasmine-Miller Sauchella later admitted that the masks made it virtually impossible for the members to see each other during the one-hour set.

Despite the visual obstruction, the band delivered a performance described as having "impenetrable musicality." The group has undergone significant evolution since its formation in 2016. Originally starting as a hard-edged post-rock project among college students, Ugly (UK) experienced a period of stagnation that led to a self-imposed hiatus in 2022. They returned two years later with the EP 'Twice Around the Sun,' signaling a shift toward a softer, more dramatic sound characterized by rich vocal layering and chamber pop influences.

The Nottingham show served as part of the release tour for their debut LP, 'The South Facade.' The setlist featured tracks from both the new album and the previous EP, showcasing the band's range from smooth jazz-inflected pieces to complex rhythmic structures. The performance opened with a duo named Max and Felix, who utilized sprechstimme monologue delivery paired with acoustic guitar and cello. While the reviewer noted their confidence, it was suggested that the pair were still defining their musical identity.

Ugly (UK)’s sound is defined by the interplay between its four vocalists: guitarist Samuel Goater, synthesist Tom Lane, bassist Harry Shapiro, and keys player Jasmine-Miller Sauchella. The quartet’s ability to shift from unified conformity to distinct individual voices was highlighted in tracks such as 'Nat Cora & The Nations' and 'Gallowine.' Sauchella’s voice provided a unique counterpoint as the only female vocalist in the group.

The instrumental arrangement featured complementary guitar work from Goater and Jones. Goater employed tapping techniques to create loop effects, particularly on the track 'Shepherds Carol,' while Jones provided rhythmic support. Drummer Theo Guttenplan utilized an unusual two-snare setup to maintain elaborately syncopated beats. Bassist Shapiro and keyboardist Lane were given moments to shine, particularly during the title track 'The South Facade.'

The concert’s climax was a seven-minute rendition of 'Icy Windy Sky,' a track from 'Twice Around the Sun.' The band substituted the acoustic guitar and cello of the original recording with effect pedals, driving the song from quiet reflection to ecstatic rapture. Lane had previously described the band’s interest in ritual performance as stretching into something resembling song, involving group-led glossolalia.

The performance at Rough Trade concluded a night that began with the openers and ended with the sextet’s distinct harmonies. The band’s return to live performance follows their transition from a post-rock project to a group recognized for its "10-year overnight success" narrative, blending folk influences with modern indie sensibilities.

C.Weber--BlnAP