UV-TV Loosen the bolts of apathy with their new EP ‘The Optimistic Wrench.’ The New York band returns with the most ambitious and emotional record of their career today; The Optimistic Wrench the follow-up to 2021’s critically acclaimed Always Something. What’s immediately apparently is the clarity of the recording, where their last record revelled in the lo fi nature of its gaze and indie pop sensibilities. The Optimistic Wrench sounds hi fi, and vividly shows off UV-TV’s expanded palette.
Opening track ‘Pale Blue Island’ swoons and swirls with an intoxicating atmosphere and shimmering undertows, it’s the dreamy sound of trying to burrow an escape from the despair of modern life.‘Only kind words’ cascades with a 60s-style jangling and cooing wonder, swelling into big hearted choruses, it reminds one of records from the postcard records label. The haunting ‘Stunned and Graceless’ finds vocalist Rose Vestola on rare form as her isolated ethereal vocals spiral into the night air like smoke rings, backed by a single keyboard. While the title track, is a psychy gem, from a never released Nuggets compilation, threaded with artfully strutting vocals of Vestola, swinging percussion, handclaps and chiming riffing that scamper around corners, it’s ripe with boundless confidence, it’s a cracker.
They may have experienced the struggle of lockdown and the last few years of chaos, but hope and adventure burns in their hearts. Ian Burns claims “could all be potential singles. Lyrically we tried to articulate the heaviness of the last few years,” he continues. “We like to think of ourselves as weary optimists.”
UV-TV juxtapose the coolness of downtown ‘77 punk with the spirit and attitude of early rock and roll to create a sound that’s both familiar and uniquely their own.
A cornerstone in the continuation of the DIY and post-punk crossover scene in the US, UV-TV are founding members Rose Vastola (guitars / vox), Ian Bernacett (guitars), Ian Rose (drums), plus the latest recruit, Noah Deemer (guitars/ keyboards).. Releasing their debut demo in 2015, the band have released a series of electrifying releases including two albums, 2017’s debut full length Glass, and 2019’s follow-up Happy’, with their sound evolving with each record they stamp their name to.
Supporting like-minded souls on the East Coast scene like Parquet Courts, Screaming Females, and B Boys, word about UV-TV is reaching ever greater audiences.
