Nottingham’s own Vona Vella are back, and they’ve brought a refreshing bit of honesty with them. The five-piece have just dropped their latest single, ‘You Can Be So Ugly’, a woozy, psychedelic slice of art-pop that serves as the perfect teaser for their highly anticipated second album, 'Carnival'.
Accompanying the track is a dreamlike music video directed by the legendary Roger Sargent, whose lens has previously captured the raw energy of The Libertines and Fat White Family. It’s a fitting collaboration for a band that seems to be effortlessly levitating toward indie stardom.
At the heart of Vona Vella are Dan Cunningham and Izzy Davis, a couple whose intertwined vocals have become the band’s "DNA double helix". While their 2023 self-titled debut was a wistful collection of indie-pop gems written from the comfort of their childhood homes, 'Carnival' marks a shift toward darker, more mature territory.
The new single explores the friction that exists within our closest bonds. Speaking on the track's inspiration, Dan and Izzy explain: "It's about accepting the ugly side of friendships or relationships. Even your favourite people have that side to them but you learn to live with it if you want to be around them. It's saying 'you can be a right idiot sometimes', then finding forgiveness."
Recorded at the Albion Rooms in Margate and produced by Jason Stafford (Jamie T, Sports Team), the upcoming record was born out of a period of transition. The band spent time moving between Nottingham, London, and Loughborough, capturing the frantic energy of young adulthood. "We wrote the album when we were living out of our suitcases, we weren't very settled but we were having a lot of fun!" says Izzy.
With previous singles like ‘Carnival’ already soundtracking NBA2k 26, and heavy support from 6Music and Radio X, the momentum is undeniable. Beyond the studio, the band remains champions of the grassroots scene, even running their own Nottingham venue, The Grove.
'Carnival' arrives via Strap Originals on February 27th. With a tour spanning from Lithuania to Manchester on the horizon, Vona Vella are proving that even when things get "ugly," the results can be absolutely beautiful.
You can stream the new single above alongside the new video, and for more, be sure to join the band on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
