If you haven’t yet been introduced to Lowertown – the enigmatic band comprised of Olivia Osby and Avsha Weinberg – now’s the perfect time. It’s taken a few years for the New York-based duo to catch their breath: after teetering on the brink of collapse for years due to label disputes, creative frustrations, and an unhealthy attachment to their artistic partnership, the band was due for a reset. Their new album Ugly Duckling Union – out May 22nd on Summer Shade – starts with a composed exhale from Osby, a symbolic moment that sets the scene for their most thoughtful, uninhibited, catchy, and eccentric collection of songs yet. Ugly Duckling Union is a concept album based on the band’s own experiences of forging a community through their music. Duckling protagonist Dale and his companions band together to defeat LBH, a tyrannical media corporation set on separating and isolating in their pursuit of control. The album’s physical packaging includes a handb