Uzumaki

London-based alt-grunge rock band Uzumaki have announced their debut EP ‘Square One’ will be out 28th July via Everything Sucks Music. They’ve also revealed a first cut from the collection with the release of ‘Ugly Hunger’ today. Its accompanying music video perfectly conveys the throwback influences the band proudly wear on their collective long-sleeve.

Vocalist and guitarist Alex Cheung says “Ugly Hunger explores themes of self-deprecation, addiction and love. It's possibly the lightest track on the record sonically, whilst the lyrics can be perceived as perhaps the heaviest across the body of work. Although they’re to be taken with a pinch of salt - a metaphor for various different scenarios where we may sometimes punish ourselves in order to 'feel alive'.”

With Brit pop, Seattle grunge, punk and alternative influences colliding through the lens of 90’s wraparound sunglasses, Uzumaki are intent on refracting the past to create something new. These EP recordings were the first time the band entered a studio proper with all prior singles (most recently ‘Laughed’/’Loserella’) being self-recorded. “It was a totally new experience to record at Sick Room Studios with Owen Turner,” says Cheung. “The studio is remotely positioned in Norfolk where all of us grew up and met for the first time. So, the return to this environment felt fundamentally crucial as the first step, or 'Square One', for the band to create the first body of work. Owen shared influences with Uzumaki from Brit Pop bands such as Teenage Fanclub, Pulp and Blur, through to the analogue pioneers of Sonic Youth and Sebadoh. This can be heard clearly in the production of the EP - it was recorded live and away from microscopes.”

Uzumaki’s mission is to rip a gig at every playable venue in the UK and beyond. They’re adding to their ever-expanding gig list in the coming months.