Rams Head Presents
Bumpin Uglies w/ Joey Harkum
Event Information
Bumpin Uglies' latest album, Climbing Up the Wall ,marks a significant chapter in the band's evolution. Following their celebrated release of their last album, Lyrics Over Everything, this latest record showcases the band's enduring commitment to authenticity, bold storytelling, and their steadfast dedication to evolving their craft.
Consisting of 14 tracks, Climbing Up the Wall vividly explores personal battles, emotional vulnerabilities, and the intricacies of everyday life. Frontman and songwriter Brandon Hardesty dives deep, tackling themes of addiction, mental health, and love with an unfiltered lyrical honesty that resonates profoundly. The album opens with "Sweet Tooth," a candid look at addiction's lingering grip, juxtaposing upbeat melodies against stark reflections. Meanwhile, songs like "Back in Bed" provide an intimate, tender snapshot of comfort found within personal connections, highlighting the band's versatility and emotional depth. With "Burn it Down" and the dynamic road-trip tribute "I-95," Bumpin Uglies channels their renowned live energy into studio recordings, capturing the spirit and gritty charm fans have grown to expect. The album also showcases notable collaborations, most prominently on the pre-released track "Orange Crush," featuring Logan Rex of Artikal Sound System. The song blends buoyant pop melodies with reggae undertones, perfectly capturing the tension and allure of a fleeting, passionate romance. Further pushing their musical boundaries, "Thirst Trap" introduces hip-hop influences paired with an engaging R&B chorus, showcasing the band's creative willingness to experiment beyond conventional genre norms. Tracks such as "The Crown" and "Vultures" stand out for their incisive commentary on societal expectations, industry pressures, and personal authenticity, further amplifying the band's stance on remaining true to their values and artistic identity. Throughout the record, Hardesty’s lyricism remains both relatable and profoundly reflective. Songs like "Crawling Up the Wall" and "Darkness" delve deeply into mental health struggles, candidly confronting anxiety, depression, and the isolation that often accompanies them. Yet, there’s a prevailing sense of hope and resilience woven throughout the album, particularly evident in songs such as "Growing Pains" and "Falling," which grapple openly wit h fatherhood, legacy, and the balance of personal fulfillment against familial responsibility. Continuing their signature independent approach, Climbing Up the Wall preserves the gritty, authentic production style that has become synonymous with Bumpin Uglies. Distributed independently, the album’s production emphasizes emotional clarity and lyrical poignancy over polished perfection, further strengthening their deep connection with fans. With a fiercely loyal following known as Uglies Nation, Bumpin Uglies’ commitment to their craft and their audience remains unshakeable. This album cements their reputation for delivering music that is both introspective and rebellious, deeply personal yet universally accessible.Artist Information
Driven by DIY merit, Annapolis band, Bumpin Uglies is no stranger to the pull of the bootstrap.
Seven successful studio albums have paved the way for the awe-inspiring eighth. Underdog: The Acoustic Sessions, recorded live in studio by the band’s founder, Brandon Hardesty, showcases the songwriting prowess that has been a constant pillar of the band’s music since its inception. Consisting of 16-tracks, the LP introduces seven new songs never before heard and nine fan favorites that have been stripped down to raw, poignant, gut-punching versions that differ from the fast-paced guitar riffs, pulsing drums, and dynamic horn sections of the originals.
“Underdog: The Acoustic Sessions is an anthem for authenticity. It’s for all the artists that choose to embrace their passion as a form of art, rather than a transactional medium. A celebration of the imperfections that make us beautiful”, frontman and singer/songwriter, Hardesty conveys.
Distributed via Silverback’s independent record label, Controlled Substance Sound Labs, Underdog: The Acoustic Sessions maintains the DIY ethos that is the foundation of Bumpin Uglies.
Since the early 2000s, Bumpin Uglies have been carving their own path; channeling their tenacious and relentless attitude into their meticulous craft. Rejecting conventional norms, Bumpin Uglies has established a distinctive sound that is a perfect reflection of their Mid-Atlantic roots - gritty, down-to-earth, and bursting with charisma.
With a genre-defying approach that seamlessly fuses punk energy with ska's infectious grooves and reggae's laid-back rhythms, Bumpin Uglies creates a musical experience that captivates audiences far and wide. Their live performances are legendary, infusing the crowd with an electrifying energy that leaves no one untouched.
The band's influences are as diverse as their sound, drawing inspiration from iconic acts like Sublime, which is evident in their sun-soaked melodies and carefree spirit. Meanwhile, Hardesty embraces the lyrical depth and storytelling dexterity of artists like John Prine, The Avett Brothers, Jason Isbell, and Sturgill Simpson, weaving heartfelt tales of life's struggles, triumphs, and the beauty found within the chaos.
Bumpin Uglies have been garnering a dedicated following over the course of its multi-decade career. Remaining true to their craft and never compromising their vision or principles, the loyal fanbase, Uglies Nation, is an inviting tight-knit community, sharing a connection that extends beyond the music, built on mutual respect and undying love for the band's genuine spirit.
With multiple nationwide headlining tours under their belt and countless sold-out shows in venues that have increased in capacity over the years, the band is on a fast-paced upward trajectory. Their previous album, Mid-Atlantic Dub, made waves in the industry, reaching #3 on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart and #21 on the Billboard Heatseeker Albums chart, solidifying their position as a prominent force in the music industry. The band has graced the stages of renowned festivals such as Cali Roots, Cali Vibes, Everwild, Great South Bay, Reggae Rise Up, and the 311 Cruise, captivating audiences time and time again. The band took their passion for music to the next level by curating and hosting their own festival, Weekend at Wolfies, further demonstrating an unwillingness to shy away from elbow grease.
Bumpin Uglies cannot be pigeonholed. Their extensive discography is a testament to that. The band uses its platform to call out villains, spread awareness, and share personal stories. Their songs speak truth and in a world that often feels manicured, Bumpin Uglies unites people under the banner of music, reminding us there is beauty in realness.
- Wed, March 25, 2026
- 8:00 PM 7:00 PM
- 21 & Over
- Key West Theater