HUNNY Drops Windows II EP
review by Ava Butera
The morning of July 6th proved to be a rather whirlwind one for me. I woke up just to notice that one of my favorite up-and-coming bands had finally released the second part to the previously released EP, Windows I, which was dropped around the same time last year. Before I could even press play on the cool-toned themed EP, I gathered that HUNNY was recently signed to punk and alternative record label, Epitaph, their very first record deal!
As soon as I hit play on the first track, “Rebel Red,” I could tell that HUNNY’s sound was more polished, which is not necessarily a negative attribute. In the band’s previous work, I would always pick up on tiny little details to certain songs and wish they cut it or added something more. Despite my nit-pickiness, I shrugged off the quirks and continued supporting one of my favorite bands. However, the entirety of Windows II still maintains a clean, produced aspect, all while keeping its flair for the dramatic, HUNNY-like quality.
The first track opens with lead singer, Jason Yarger, crooning to his audience, one he truly commands in both a live setting and through digital format. The track erupts into an alternative-rock dance ballad, featuring a constant yet infectious drum rhythm, thanks to drummer Joey Anderson. I’d like to attribute a more professional opinion to “Rebel Red”; however, the only thing that comes to mind is that it’s a certified bop. The music video, which was released a couple days after the EP, features all members dancing in red clothing, fitting with the overall theme of Windows II. Now every time I listen to “Rebel Red” the thought of bassist, Kevin Grimmett and guitarist, Jake Goldstein dancing in a hilariously choreographed way won’t escape my mind.
Track two, “Kicking Cans,” is a mellower track in a much higher key than the previous one. This song sounds very similar to that of another HUNNY track, “Shy.” Maybe a response to the song “Shy?” Perhaps the songs have nothing to do with one another? These are just my thoughts that I’m conspiring whilst I constantly replay both EPs in tandem. Despite the fact, this track is a beautiful one containing clever lyrics penned by Yarger himself.
The next track, “Seventh Sister,” is one that has a sort of 80’s vibe, yet I feel like HUNNY’s love for punk music strongly shines through. I may be completely wrong, but I vaguely remember the guys playing this back in March when I saw them. It’s very different for a HUNNY song, but it works in the band’s favor.
The last two tracks, “Your Love Song, Pt.1” and “Your Love Song Pt. 2” are two tracks that are related, based on the titles, however, they couldn’t be more contrastingly different. “Pt.1” shows Yarger vulnerable and alone, figuratively and literally. On this song, it’s just Yarger’s vocals, thoughts, and an acoustic guitar. It’s the most stripped down I’ve ever seen HUNNY. It’s painstakingly beautiful. And it’s definitely something I want to see more of from the band. “Pt. 2” is much more like a typical HUNNY song. It’s also probably my favorite on the entire EP. Evident guitar riffs make themselves known, thanks to Goldstein’s dedication to the instrument.
On this EP, Yarger questions if he, himself, seems O-B-V-I-O-U-S. Maybe not obvious per say, but HUNNY has a quality about them that makes them overtly unique. I can’t pinpoint if it’s Yarger’s in-your-face vocals or perhaps just the musicality of the band as a whole unit. Whatever it is, it’s what sets HUNNY apart from other bands in the alternative music scene.
HUNNY being signed to Epitaph last week is just a sheer glimpse into how much potential this band truly has. I’ve seen this band grow, err shrink in size, but grow into a mature and highly stylized unit and cannot wait to see where their talent and dedication takes them.