Things I didn’t know about Hunck when I asked Paul “The Editor” Maps if I could review their latest EP for Joyzine:
Almost everything.
Things I did know:
That I really loved the psychedelia tinged, summery, melodic loveliness of ‘Never Had A Dream’
Things I’ve learnt:
Hunck are five young men currently residing in the Tottenham area of London, via Dorset, LA, Southampton and rather mysteriously; a guitarist of origins unknown. There is some facial hair. If music doesn’t provide the career expected (it will) a future in comedy awaits, a future in cookery does not; see their YouTube recipe for fag ash burgers marinated in energy drink and barbecued in the bun. Mmmmmmmm. I also have a feeling they are named Hunck so they can say “we’re just five huncks on stage” as I read in one interview.
The band are also purveyors of inventive, tuneful rock that has seen them compared to the likes of George Harrison and Tame Impala. Surprisingly the band manage to live up to this lofty praise and have delivered an EP that won’t be constrained by comparisons and shows off their versatility and willingness to allow inspiration to flourish into whatever the idea demands.
First track; ‘I’ll Wait’ explodes out of the blocks and doesn’t let up, a Wurlitzer ride of chorus effect guitar and a driving rhythm section that chugs along brightly as the distorted vocal decries the protagonist’s current lot in life. ‘Up In The Sky’ takes the pace down and ratchets up the layers of harmony and melodrama. The title track is a radio ready and radio friendly (very) early summer anthem, bouncing along with a perky baseline and ultra catchy melody. Sure to be a sing along hit at festivals soon, not that this is any throw-away pop song. The arrangement breaks down, falls into dreamy, other-world falsetto and keyboard stabs before big rock guitars force their way back in for some head banging, then back to the ultra catchy vocal motif that underpins the composition. Very. Nice. Final track ‘So Far So Deep’ ruminates on distance and loneliness and musically leaves room for the pathos of the lyrics to take root. It’s a swooning, ambitious and beautifully arranged closer that underlines this band’s amazing potential.
Definitely ones to keep an eye on for the future and to champion now.
Review by Sean Daly
hunck.co.uk
Watch the video for ‘I’ll Wait’: