After a hugely successful 2016, The Hunna are kicking the new year off with a bang, headlining an 11 date UK tour. I caught them halfway through the tour as they played Nottingham’s Rock City.
Openers Kovic hit things off. Coming on stage just half an hour after doors opened, a steady stream of eager fans entered during their set. The band have a small online following and only have one single, Wires, available to stream and buy. Nevertheless this didn’t stop the young crowd getting behind them. Their energetic frontman ensured everyone got involved with many singing lyrics back to him as they learnt them. If this live performance is anything to go by then I can see big opportunities coming up for them in the future.
Taking the stage next were Brighton lads, High Tyde. Gaining popularity from touring with bands such as Peace and Young Kato the similar style of the indie quartet made them popular amongst fans of The Hunna with many knowing their sing along hits. Last year saw them release multiple singles with an EP coming towards the end of the year. For me I feel High Tyde were a perfect support band, successfully warming up the crowd so that by the end of their set everyone was eager for the main event. I can see many of those at Friday’s gig attending another High Tyde show when they embark on a short headline tour in March.
A loud scream filled the room as The Hunna rocked on to the stage. The four are not unfamiliar with Nottingham crowds having played at The Bodega and Rescue Rooms in the last year – prior to the release of their debut album. With only one album under their belts I was taken aback to find out the band sold out the 2500 capacity venue of Rock City. From the offset it was clear that the band’s contagious energy was a contributing factor in getting fans to return.
Frontman Ryan Potter, is lively on stage – oozing energy. Album track You & Me starts the show, setting the tone as the high tempo track gets the teens in the crowd bouncing and screaming lyrics back at the stage. The first track is followed by a chatty Potter apologising for his sore throat, urging everyone to sing as loud as they can to compensate. You have to give credit Ryan and the band for their determination. After playing 5 shows in the previous 6 days, it’s hardly surprising touring is starting to take toll. The Nottingham show only marks the halfway point as well with big shows in Birmingham and London still to come.
As the set rolls on, the guys play hit after hit. Songs like We Could Be and She’s Casual come mid set – both of these song becoming popular back in the early days when the band’s music was hard to find online. The band have a huge stage presence, their experience of playing live coming through as a couple of persistent crowd surfers try over and over to get above the others.
Popular songs Bonfire and Bad For You ended an enjoyable night. The quality of The Hunna’s live performance truly makes them ones to watch over the next couple of years and I wish them the best of luck.
7/10
