ALBUM REVIEW: Hunny’s New Planet Heaven – HUNNY
California-based HUNNY are a lot of different things, and can be difficult to pin down, with their third studio album an upbeat mix of new-wave, shoegaze and rock, with lots of other influences sprinkled in. New Planet Heaven is their most positive album yet, with uplifting messages and positive affirmations the whole way through. They encourage listeners to “look to the stars when we need a change of perspective”, which inspired them to actually buy a star in support of the album, and a slightly spiritual aspect is something that is found throughout the songs. The band go back to their roots, focusing less on perfection and more on their bond as a band, while trying to maintain their initial excitement and energy.
Opening the album is bothering, a catchy, light-hearted introduction. Beginning with a dreamlike, spacey sound, and then kicking in with some pop-punk inspired guitars, there is a lot going on, but overall it’s very easy listening. Vocalist Jason Yarger’s voice is definitely likable, and the carefree, light sound makes the song feel like a pop hit. Next is sixteen stiches, and with a driving bassline and whimsical sounding piano, it is, once again, a bit of everything. With more experimental beats and synths and effects to push it into a more modern direction, it takes a fairly different direction to the previous song. The lyrics feel more bleak and questioning, which gives the song a slightly depressing but real spin. While this is a pretty stark change in tone, it works well to show that the album isn’t just falsely positive.
As the album progresses, it seems to go back and forth between quite emotionally heavy lyrics, and a very carefree attitude, and the sound is often the opposite to this, creating an uncertain energy throughout. For example, action – – > reaction has a very upbeat, pop sound, with calm, cool vocals, but the lyrics are sad and desperate, getting increasingly more grounded and emotional as the song progresses. This isn’t concrete though, and many of the songs do have those positive affirmations that the band promised. 89cc is one of these, and the fun, light-hearted lyrics match the sound, with some instrumentals scattered through that would be perfect to dance to. One of the happiest songs on the album is all my luck, with some really sweet lyrics expressing gratitude.
ring in your ear featuring MOTION CITY SOUNDTRACK is more of a gritty song, which is a pretty intense change of pace, but works well for them. With some more grunge-influenced guitars and moodier vocals, this one definitely has an early 2000s feel, and that kind of nostalgia makes it memorable. In keeping with that more alternative style is nothing amazing happens, an angsty track with some definite punk influences. Proving their range, everything that they try, they do pretty well. Ending the album is palm reader, which is actually one of the best, and a clear showstopper. The lyrics in particular are especially creative, with a certain level of innocence which makes the song feel really wholesome.
Throughout New Planet Heaven, HUNNY really show their more imaginative, creative side, which makes them unique. While some songs are definitely more memorable than others, this album is undoubtedly an enjoyable listen, and really good for considering different perspectives, which was at least some of the point.
Rating: 7/10
Hunny’s New Planet Heaven is out now via Epitaph Records.
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