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Ugly
by
Ugly Image
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 18 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 11 Ratings

  • Summary: Steve Albini produced the fifth album for the New Jersey punk trio.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. The A.V. Club
    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. Los Angeles Times
    Apr 2, 2012
    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.
  3. The Boston Phoenix
    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. Consequence
    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.
  5. Beats Per Minute
    Apr 3, 2012
    80
    Ugly is so rich, so dense, so full that you forget there's just three of them.
  6. cokemachineglow
    May 21, 2012
    70
    For the most part, it works.
  7. Filter
    Apr 5, 2012
    66
    On Ugly, the Jersey trio strikes an expert balance between grandiose metal riffage and brain-searing.

See all 18 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. dartagnan
    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!… Expand
  2. destijl
    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.… Expand
  4. AlexxTrusc
    May 26, 2012
    6
    Screaming Females on the "Ugly" presents a slightly below hour dose of average interesting indie punk. Vocals in most songs just seem toScreaming Females on the "Ugly" presents a slightly below hour dose of average interesting indie punk. Vocals in most songs just seem to interfere, and as if artist wanted to fit in the style of composition by force - which can be seen even when exaggerated "Rotten Apple". We must however admit that vibrato makes a positive feelings places - even in "Extinction". Overall I must admit that there are interesting tracks on the album, but the album still is not able to impress the listener.… Expand
  5. All_ButTrU4
    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.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

47
#47 Best Album of 2012

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