Album review: HUNNY – Hunny’s New Planet Heaven

Despite Hunny's New Planet Heaven only being HUNNY’s second full-length, it certainly portrays the many years of friendship this band is built on with its deft and joyful soundscapes. It focuses on real feelings, and doesn’t try too hard to be perfect. And that’s what makes it a comforting listen.

The plink-plonking intro of Bothering sets the quirky and playful tone, before bursting into a cycling merry-go-round riff. Vocalist Jason Yarger over-enunciates his vowels in an addictively sulky style as the track skips along, and with lyrics like, ‘It’s not bothering me, it’s not bothering you’, it’s already clear this is about letting go of the complicated, yet clinging on to the simple things.

Multi-layered track Action Reaction offers up waterfall licks and spaced-out cool tones. It feels like classic ’00s pop rock, and glimmers with the cry of a synth on its way out. 89cc is another standout, peppered with harmonies, laidback snare drumming from Joey Anderson and the surprising addition of a saxophone solo.

And that’s not where the experimental elements end. All My Luck brings a Nile Rodgers-esque funk but with spacey modern keys, and closer Palm Reader eventually comes back around to the underlying wiry toned rock that feels like the trademark characteristic of HUNNY.

Hunny's New Planet Heaven is a delightfully dozy record, packed with short, bouncy tracks seasoned with elements of pop-punk, indie-rock, and even classic influences from decades gone. It might not be one for those who like things heavy, but it’s a fitting listen for a day of winding down after a noisy night.

Verdict: 4/5

For fans of: Waterparks, COIN, Weezer

Hunny's New Planet Heaven is released on October 6 via Epitaph

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