Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
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  1. Apr 3, 2012
    91
    Not only does Ugly set a new standard for the band, it's also a grubby, triumphant call to action.
  2. Apr 4, 2012
    90
    A favorite for punk album of the year.
  3. Apr 17, 2012
    88
    If world domination is in question, hooks could be more defined, production could be less flat, and Paternoster's yodel most resembles the forgotten Lunachicks. But she and this Brunswick, New Jersey–born trio have staked an impressive claim.
  4. Apr 2, 2012
    88
    New Jersey trio Screaming Females plays with more ferocity and confidence then ever.
  5. 88
    At 14 songs and 53 minutes, Ugly is a workout, and there's nary a moment in which Paternoster doesn't seem at risk of losing control to her guitar.
  6. Apr 4, 2012
    85
    Ugly is ultimately an album that finally finds the Screaming Females completely confident in their own identity, no longer trying to straddle the line between their headier rock aspirations and the DIY punk scene that gave birth to them.
  7. May 9, 2012
    80
    If you think that the "rock" part of "indie rock" has been dying a slow death, look to Screaming Females as your lighthouse during these dark, guitar-less times and rejoice as you air shred along with all that Ugly has to offer.
  8. Apr 26, 2012
    80
    If any Screaming Females record has suggested they may someday become a group worthy of cataloging in a book like Azerrad's, Ugly is it, igniting a classic punk sound with a friction that falls somewhere between SST and PJ Harvey's Rid of Me.
  9. Magnet
    Apr 11, 2012
    80
    Paternoster invites you to get ugly and rotten with her like it's a call to arms. [No.86, p.57]
  10. Apr 3, 2012
    80
    Ugly is so rich, so dense, so full that you forget there's just three of them.
  11. Apr 2, 2012
    80
    Ugly is Screaming Female's Steve Albini record, an inevitability for a group like this, and the trio brings its "A" game to the project.
  12. Apr 2, 2012
    80
    Indie rock albums with this uniquely developed a voice don't come around often, especially not when it's this much fun.
  13. Apr 4, 2012
    79
    The release finds the New Jersey trio, which also features Jarrett Dougherty on drums and King Mike on bass, exploring not only space-filling arrangements that are impressive for the lean band, but also hard-hitting and catchy tracks.
  14. May 21, 2012
    70
    For the most part, it works.
  15. Apr 9, 2012
    70
    For the most part, Ugly lets Paternoster's guitar play do most of the talking for it, with all sorts of metallic shredding, slice-and-dice post-punk lines, and power-pop hooks taking center stage here.
  16. Alternative Press
    Apr 3, 2012
    70
    It's hard to be down on a record that deftly rocks this hard. [May 2012, p.85]
  17. Apr 2, 2012
    70
    It's just a little too long and continuous to listen to in one setting.
  18. Apr 5, 2012
    66
    On Ugly, the Jersey trio strikes an expert balance between grandiose metal riffage and brain-searing.

Awards & Rankings

User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 11 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 11
  2. Negative: 1 out of 11
  1. May 26, 2012
    10
    Great album! My favorite of the year so far.Marissa Paternoster sure can play guitar! Now some people may call this punk,maybe because of herGreat album! My favorite of the year so far.Marissa Paternoster sure can play guitar! Now some people may call this punk,maybe because of her singing style and a song like "Rotten Apple" would fit the definition of punk but others particularly "Doom 84",a true gem, are just pure rock and roll.The only quibble one could have with this album is the fact that the Screaming Females are a power trio and guitar, drums and bass is all you get.At 53 minutes it may be more guitar than some people can take, I think she keeps it interesting enough and the songs are very strong, very catchy.And God can she play guitar! Full Review »
  2. Jun 16, 2012
    10
    My favorite album of the year, every song has something really special to it. Albini did an amazing job. Looking forward to hearing moreMy favorite album of the year, every song has something really special to it. Albini did an amazing job. Looking forward to hearing more from this band. Full Review »
  3. Aug 25, 2022
    6
    Steve Albini production is always exceptional in bringing out the more rabid side of a rocker,unleashing chaotic belts and screams that sendSteve Albini production is always exceptional in bringing out the more rabid side of a rocker,unleashing chaotic belts and screams that send shivers down your spine. This album is no exception Marissa Paternoister is a hell raising guitarist with a scream of a banshee. A bit long at 53 min this recird is still worth the time. Full Review »