Queens, New York by-way-of Gainesville, Florida band UV-TV have returned with their sophomore LP, Happy. It was released this week on Deranged Records, and it’s one of the best records to come out in 2019 yet.
You know who originally told me about this band was Paul Court from The Primitives. UV-TV had covered their punk pop classic “Really Stupid” on an excellent EP released on Stewart Anderson and Jen Turrell’s Emotional Response imprint.
I previously described them as Tiger Trap on Adderall, but this new LP is more like “Galore” era Primitives, as it’s steeped in some shoegaze elements. I’m quite particular about the genre, in that I need there to be teeth and melody beyond the dreamy vocals and reverb. This record has got it in spades. It’s just so well informed by diy traditions, it hits that nostalgic sweet spot but it also sounds modern. UV-TV have done their homework.
Drummer Ryan Hopewell is one of the best drummers going. He’s busy but precise and bangy, and it really elevates the music and makes them sound unique. Rose Vastola (Bass, Vox) and Ian Bernacett (Guitar, Vox) have spent the last year since relocating to NYC working on this record. I was lucky to get an advanced earful, and couldn’t wait to share the track “Inside Out” with everyone.
When I saw the title I thought I might be in for a Mighty Lemon Drops cover, but it’s an original and it’s sparkling and magnificent with a payoff at the end when the song does a melodic change that brings to mind the Mary Chain with the lyric “You’re always Upside Down, I’m always Inside Out”. So check it out and let’s get Happy!
