REVIEW: ugly ozo - dive

The Isle of Wight–based indie band UGLY OZO release their second EP, dive, on May 1st. The band blends raw feminine energy with gritty riffs and a strong dose of punk noise. Across this five-track record, Jessica Baker and her band take us on a journey through her experiences and emotions.

The EP opens with their first single, released back in January, hi, how are you? At first glance, it comes across as a raw indie punk track. A soft, minimalist verse leads into a build up that eventually explodes into an energetic chorus. The vocals complement the track well, making it an engaging introduction to the EP. Lyrically, however, things take a darker turn, as Jessica Baker reflects on her experiences with burnout and depression. She describes the song as “a conversation between myself and my inner rival, like I’m playing tug of war between self-doubt and determination,” and you can clearly feel that tension in her delivery.

The second track, overkill, explores the experience of being with someone you don’t want to leave, even though they treat you badly. The lyrics are simple but effective. The raw, fuzzy guitar pushes the song further into punk territory, making it one of the highlights of the EP.

Their newest single, jackpot, starts off more subdued. A simple drum pattern and soft vocal humming form the intro. The verse introduces a catchy bassline while keeping the energy restrained. In the chorus, both the emotions and the instrumentation burst open. The lyrics revolve around the feeling of wanting someone while making them work for your attention. It’s a playful, flirty track, especially emphasized in the chorus.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZlfrChg2Tw

The first entirely new track on the EP, godspeed, feels chaotic. Not just because of the distant screams in the background. The song deals with betrayal and the frustration that follows. It feels like an entire friendship arc condensed into one track. This is also the first song that fully leans into a more indie-driven sound, making it one of the softer moments on the record. However, it’s far from dull. As the emotional tension builds, so does the music, gradually becoming louder, rougher, and more chaotic.

The closing track, MISERY, lives up to its name. The repeated line “I’m fine” suggests quite the opposite. As the EP comes to an end, we’re given its emotional peak. The track feels deeply personal, offering an intimate look into regret and the descent into misery. The final guitar solo is a particularly strong choice, elevating the track and solidifying it as the standout moment of the EP. It emphasizes the emotional weight while also signalling a powerful conclusion.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1cAS0QM96g

UGLY OZO’s latest EP is a chaotic blend of indie and punk. It feels like a personal diary, with thoughtfully crafted instrumentation reinforcing its themes. While a few moments feel slightly too raw, it still marks the band as one to watch in the British indie scene.

Score: 7/10

dive will be released on 1st May 2026 via REX RECS.

Words: Hannah Martin

Photos: Emma Jones