Ugly Duckling Union by Lowertown

Lowertown is an indie rock duo (Olivia Osby and Avsha Weinberg) that formed in Atlanta in 2018. The duo later relocated to New York City. Their music blends elements of indie rock, folk, and experimental pop.

Ugly Duckling Union is their third full length album, following their 2019 self released debut Friends and 2022 album I Love to Lie on Dirty Hit Records. I was introduced to the band via their 2021 EP, The Gaping Mouth, on Dirty Hit and really enjoyed their quirky take on lofi indie rock and folk.

The first seven songs of Ugly Duckling Union are solid to great, with the final five songs veering off course a little bit as they venture a little too much into the experimental side at worst, and slow/plodding at best. Overall, the album as a whole is worth your time as they continue to grow as songwriters and build confidence to venture outside the expected.