Filtering pop melodies through an abrasive, shadowy lens, dark indie trio
UV-TV channeled a litany of feedbacky acts from the
Jesus and Mary Chain to the
Vivian Girls. The trio signed with Canadian label Deranged for the release of their punky 2017 debut long-player
Glass.
UV-TV was formed in 2015 by Gainsville, Florida musicians Rose Vastola and Ian Bernacett. The two songwriters were eventually joined by drummer Ryan Hopewell, and with Vastola on lead vocals and bass and Bernacett handling guitar duties and some vocals, they began working on material that incorporated the drive of hazy, C-86 punk, lo-fi recording techniques, and occasional moments when gears would shift from fervent bashing into shoegaze ambience. The band released a five-song demo tape shortly after forming, and later in 2015 released a split 7” single with Los Angeles band
Shark Toys. In 2017 their first album
Glass was released, as well as a 7” EP that featured two original tracks and covers of songs by Screaming Sneakers and
the Primitives. The lo-fi snap of
Glass was put to tape quickly in a disused train station in Gainesville, adding natural reverb to the band’s already booming sound. In 2018,
UV-TV migrated from Florida to New York, and in 2019, second album
Happy arrived with a much fuller sound than their debut. ~ Fred Thomas