I Don’t Like Anything is the latest release from Southern California band Ursula.
A reaffirmation of their partnership with seminal Southern California hardcore label Indecision Records (who previously released their 2018 debut, Meet Is Murder, followed by 2019’s Regurgitate, and 2020’s Fickle), the record is the band’s first full length, as they have previously only released shorter releases.
Often described as a hardcore band, Ursula swims in a chaotic ocean of influences reminiscent of 1990s screamo, 2000s sasscore, and the general vibe of Three One G records bands.
Make no mistake, the band’s DIY approach, presence in Orange County’s Progamme scene, and interpersonal struggle and vegan lyrical themes keep them firmly rooted in the world of hardcore.
I Don’t Like Anything is the first release to feature new drummer Matt Ants (No Plan, Headcount, xREIGNx) and second to feature Nate Evans (Skullcrack, Step by Step) on bass. Founding members Whitney Marshall (also of No Plan) and Jesse Contreras keep the band’s core elements alive with their signature snarl and dissonant guitar, respectively.
The record kicks off right away with a tone not previously heard with Ursula’s previously released outputs–everything is crystal clear, as if you’re sitting in the room with them. Marshall’s voice has changed slightly. Their signature harsh screams are present, but have been elevated to another level that provides for easier understanding.
Song one “Old Ones” interjects an Unbroken-style vibe with bounce, speed, and intensity. “Ditheyveled” continues the band’s signature discordance with pounding drum rhythms. Bludgeoned by a southern sounding breakdown and the repeat of “out of touch, out of step”, this anthem for the aging hits a sweet spot between the heaviness of 1990s metal and 2000s mallcore.
“Jot” is a quick burner with a weird breakdown vibe that quickly segues into “Turn Out," a mid tempo, hit-laden fist-bumper that suddenly turns fast, before it closes with an Earth Crisis-style breakdown. This one is an ass beater for sure. “DC” is one of the more straight forward hardcore tracks on the record and a song that lyrically explores failure, mental health, burnout–all things most adults can relate to. Gold star on this one.
The album’s lead single, “Watch Out,” certainly sounds like something that could have been on 2018’s Meet Is Murder, with all of Ursula’s DNA intact, but sharpened to a fine point. I can’t think of a better track on this album to showcase as the first but this one.
“Shan’t” is a minute-long misanthropic tale that blasts the record right along into the dirty riffs of “Bo," the downright rotten southern riffs of “Gotten By the Guts” (whew that breakdown HITS), and the most Gothenburg inspired riffs to ever be played in the tuning of D found in “Escape." It’s clear that in contrast to Arby’s, Ursula does not have the meat, but they have the RIFFS–boy, do they have the riffs.
“Mold” incorporates the melodic elements of '90s skramz and following the buildup, its middle section is the closest the band will ever get to a skatepunk fast verse guitar part and drum beat combination. The bass tone starting the song is so thick and satisfying. This is one of the standout tracks of the record.
The last original track on the record is “1994," which again features an At the Gates-style approach to the guitar up front. The band’s longest song to date, we get to an epic instrumental outro akin to '90s Converge. By far their most unique and eclectic tracks, also one of their best.
Ursula close out I Don’t Like Anything with a cover of Green Day’s “J.A.R.” originally off of 1995’s Angus film soundtrack or like most of us, 2001’s International Superhits!
While this might be a more apt choice for Marshall and Ants’ other band No Plan (who are heavily Green Day inspired), this shows Ursula’s versatility as musicians and puts their millennial nostalgia on full display in a charming and heartwarming way. Marshall’s clean vocals show that they has command of the role of vocalist and provide a unique insight into their talents as a musician not normally seen. This is an excellent addition to the record.
Get It
- Indecision Records (vinyl, CD, digital)
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