Lowertown Share New Single ‘Worst Friend’ Ahead Of Upcoming Album ‘Ugly Duckling Union’

Lowertown have unveiled their latest single Worst Friend, offering another glimpse into their forthcoming album Ugly Duckling Union, set for release on 22nd May.

Lowertown

Lowertown (Reno Silver)

Comprised of Olivia Osby and Avsha Weinberg, the New York-based duo continue to evolve their genre-blurring sound with a track that leans into country-tinged indie, pairing conversational verse trading with a soaring, euphoric chorus. Drawing inspiration from iconic songwriting duos such as Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, as well as Bob Dylan and Joan Baez, Worst Friend explores themes of self-sabotage, emotional detachment, and the consequences of failing to confront personal flaws.

Accompanied by a video set in a seemingly abandoned small town, the release continues to build anticipation for Ugly Duckling Union, a record rooted as much in concept as it is in sound. The album introduces a narrative world centred around a duckling protagonist navigating a fractured society, reflecting the band’s broader commentary on modern disconnection and the erosion of community spaces.

For Lowertown, the album also marks a period of reflection and renewal. Following years of intense touring, creative struggles, and personal strain, Osby and Weinberg found themselves reassessing both their artistic direction and their partnership. Returning to their roots—spanning Atlanta’s DIY scenes and early internet communities—the duo channelled those experiences into a project that celebrates connection, creativity, and outsider identity.

That ethos extends beyond the music itself. Ugly Duckling Union is accompanied by an expansive creative universe, including visual art, fan-led online spaces, and interactive elements designed to bring listeners together. It’s a continuation of the band’s long-standing relationship with their audience, one that has grown organically through digital platforms and translated into a devoted real-world following.

Musically, the album builds on the groundwork laid by earlier singles like Big Thumb and I Like You A Lot, showcasing a broader palette that fuses lo-fi indie textures with folk, jazz, and experimental pop influences. Entirely written, recorded, and produced by the duo, the record maintains a raw, hands-on approach that has become central to Lowertown’s identity.

With Worst Friend, Lowertown underline their ability to balance vulnerability with ambition—crafting songs that are both deeply personal and conceptually expansive, while continuing to challenge expectations of what indie music can be.

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