Under 21 with Guardian

Bumpin Uglies
Bumpin Uglies' new album, Lyrics Over Everything, hits all the right notes and then some.With 14 tracks of reggae-punk-ska brilliance coupled with a hint of folksy bluegrass, this Annapolis-based band showcases their unique sound, drawing on influences from every corner of the musical universe. Whether it’s the introspective musings of “Underdog” or the infectious energy of “Passion Is Contagious,” the album is a testament to their DIY ethos and relentless dedication.

Lyrics Over Everything includes a track of the same name. Released earlier this year, this single is a heady mix of heartfelt lyricism and driving beats, featuring another Maryland native, Joey Harkum.

Hardesty's vocal delivery is raw and unapologetic, a perfect fit for the song’s theme of prioritizing authenticity over superficiality. This track supports the tone for an album that is both introspective and outwardly rebellious.

The standout track “High Hopes” blends upbeat tempos with a catchy chorus, making it impossible not to tap your feet. “Stanley,” with its folksy charm and heavy sax interludes, gives a nod to the band's ability to blend genres seamlessly. Meanwhile, “Cheat Codes” channels pure punk energy with Hardesty’s biting lyrics and rapid-fire delivery, leaving no room for pretense.

Each song tells a story, with lyrics that are as poignant as they are punchy. “Maryland Boys” is a love letter to the band’s home state, featuring a surprise hip-hop verse that adds a fresh twist to their sound. On the other hand, “Spinning Plates” captures the anxiety and hustle of modern life, wrapped in a bouncy, upbeat melody that belies its deeper themes.

Drummer T.J. Haslett’s mastery is on full display in tracks like “Forever to Go,” where his drumming propels the song forward with an anthemic drive. The band’s ability to shift gears effortlessly is evident in “Yin and the Yang,” a beautiful ode to Hardesty’s wife, Sophia, that showcases his distinctive vibrato.

As they gear up for their biggest tour yet, also titled Lyrics Over Everything, Bumpin Uglies prove that they’re not just playing music—they’re living it. From Cali Vibes to Everwild, their festival appearances have cemented their place in the scene. Not to mention the annual festival put on by Bumpin Uglies, Weekend at Wolfies. This new album is sure to keep them on the radar of both longtime fans and new listeners alike.

Bumpin Uglies are: Brandon Hardesty (vocals, lead guitar), Brent Schraffenberger (bass), T.J. Haslett (drums), Ethan Lichtenberger (keys, trombone, trumpet, backing vocals), and Will Lopez (saxophone). With a discography that spans over a decade, including notable albums like Go Folk Yourself (2012) and Mid-Atlantic Dub (2022), this band continues to evolve while staying true to their roots.

Join them as they redefine the boundaries of music genres and deliver an experience that is as genuine as it is electrifying.

https://www.bumpinugliesmusic.com/


Ballyhoo!
A rock band with punk energy and pop reggae grooves, Baltimore’s BALLYHOO! are a fun, fan-loving powerhouse. These road dogs have tirelessly toured coast-to-coast taking their music to the people. Between the road and the studio, BALLYHOO! have crafted a sound distinctly their own; fresh, fun, and embodied by the soul of the party lifestyle. Lead singer and guitarist, Howi Spangler, has a reputation for mixing slick lyrics with his smooth but powerful voice. Drummer Donald Spangler lays out the hard-hitting beats. Scott Vandrey layers in the finishing touches to the band’s signature sound on keys. The guys recently welcomed Nick Lucera as their new bass player.

BALLYHOO! released their 5th studio album Pineapple Grenade on June 25th 2013. It broke through the Billboard Top 200 at #189 as well as reaching #4 Billboard Heatseekers and #5 at iTunes Alternative charts.

The album features “No Good,” produced by Rome Ramirez (Sublime with Rome) and mixed by Paul Leary (U2, Sublime); while the first single “Run” saw an early radio add from KRAB Bakersfield and early radio spins by KROQ Los Angeles, WHFS Baltimore, KTCL Denver, and KCXX Riverside among others. Alongside the album release, BALLYHOO! co-headlined the 2013 Summer Sickness Tour with Authority Zero and special guests Versus The World. Pineapple Grenade is the band’s follow-up to the 2011 LAW Records release of “Daydreams,” which debuted at #1 on the iTunes Reggae Charts and #4 on Amazon.

BALLYHOO!’s unique yet melodic blend of genres, along with their hardcore devotion to the road and their fans have pitched them into snowballing success. The band has performed with a myriad of national touring acts; 311, Slightly Stoopid, SOJA, The Dirty Heads, Matisyahu, and more. Tour highlights include the 2011 311 Pow Wow Festival, the 2012 and 2013 311 Caribbean Cruise, Bamboozle 2012, 2012 Charm City Music Festival, 2013 Cali Roots Festival & the entire 2012 Vans Warped Tour. In 2011, after concluding the Last Calls and Liabilities tour with respected contemporaries, Pepper, they were honored with being included on the ever-popular Hollister Holiday Playlist. They were listed on MTV’s Top 100 Bands to Watch and even featured 2 downloadable songs on the popular video game ROCK BAND.

https://ballyhoorocks.com/