Review: Hungover Tuesday

Leicester’s genre-bending mischief-makers Hungover Tuesday return with their new EP Deny This — and from the very first note, it’s clear they’re not here to play it safe. Formed after a Monday night pub session (naturally), this isn’t your usual ex-covers band. Hungover Tuesday are a whirlwind of jazz, punk, blues, indie, chaos and soul — stitched together by a Lithuanian powerhouse of a vocalist and three suburban lads who clearly just hold on for dear life. And the result? Something genuinely, refreshingly unique.

The EP opens with Catastrophe, which grooves into life on a funky clean riff before smart, jazz-infused drumming sets the tone. Straight away, you realise you’re not in familiar territory — the band weave blues, jazz and indie into something uplifting, playful and meticulously layered. Then, without warning… WHAT. THE. HELL?! The band flip into full-tilt punk — pace, attitude, distortion, everything. It shouldn’t work, but it’s magical. The vocalist goes from 50s lounge soul to Brody Dalle chaos in a heartbeat. It’s wild, bold and an incredible statement of intent.

Don’t Go to Work stomps in next, powered by a glorious, funky bassline that drives everything forward. The male/female vocal interplay adds fresh texture, and the loud/quiet transitions are handled with intelligence rather than cliché. There’s a hint of The Temperance Movement in the swagger, but the band twist it into something distinctly their own. The controlled descent into chaos at the end is just the cherry on top.

Raindrops shows an entirely different face — a stunning acoustic opening filled with optimism and gentle reflection. The lead vocalist turns the melody into an instrument of its own, rich and soulful. The song gradually blooms into a soaring, harmonious chorus that lifts the whole track into the clouds. It’s gorgeous, heartfelt and a beautiful change of pace.

Lucy enters with a Hendrix-tinged guitar line before the slightly off-beat drums add colour. The urban-leaning vocal in the verse contrasts brilliantly with the explosive, euphoric chorus. This is seriously clever songwriting — twisting through grunge-like dives, erupting into aggressive bursts, then softening into a stunning middle section before launching back into that unforgettable chorus. This one is a real standout — a rollercoaster with more twists than Alton Towers.

Boris Says No No No begins a cappella, the male and female vocals intertwining beautifully before the track erupts into a fast, politically charged blast. It’s raw, urgent and catchy as hell — even the Lithuanian chorus (we think it’s Lithuanian!) gets stuck in your head instantly. It’s rebellion with rhythm.

The EP closes with Sapnas Ir Sugrįžimas (or something close — that’s a tricky one!). This is a poetic, powerful finale. Imagine Björk, Jeff Buckley, a buzz-saw guitar and a hammering rhythm section all melting into one gorgeous, chaotic, operatic storm. It’s dramatic, passionate and utterly captivating. The chaotic outro is sublime — a moment that even Cobain would’ve tipped his hat to.

Deny This is everything an EP should be — bold, emotional, varied, inventive and full of personality. Hungover Tuesday refuse to sit still, refuse to be boxed in, and refuse to sound like anyone else. They jump genres like stepping stones yet somehow land perfectly every time.

Hungover Tuesday may have started with a hangover, but this EP is an absolute wake-up call — and one you won’t want to sleep through