Ahh December...this is the time of year most music releases come under two categories; re-released "deluxe" albums to make "essential" stocking fillers...or that fight for the coveted Christmas Number 1 chart position (or as it's become known as please be anyone except that fucker from The X Factor)...but that's the big money end of the industry. For the rest of us it's business as usual and there are plenty of bands and artists up and down the country who just see the holiday season as a good enough time to release music as any. Let me introduce to you HUNTER KILL HUNTER. Based in London, the alt./post-hardcore five-piece dropped thier second EP just last week, looking to expand on what has already been an impressive and promising twelve months. Simply entitled "II", let's see if we fall prey when we press play...
Stickler's for tradition they open up with "Intro" and for the next 41 seconds we're told there's "too much to take but, we will survive"...very defiant, a clear message that no matter what, these lads are prepared to dig deep...and it leads on to first track proper; "Too Much To Take"...it's a smooth transition and results in a strong conceptual EP opening sequence. The track itself is a blend of visceral hardcore-style vocals coupled with an up-beat, melodic rock backing. The harmonies and gang vocals add depth and really this is a pleasant start.
"The Hunted" carries with it a slightly, off-kilter, almost prog-inspired vibe, reminiscent of the early 2000's alternative scene...the key changes sounding jarred, it's easy to imagine them on Kerrang! back in the day with the likes of INME and HELL IS FOR HEROES, while "They've Traded Us For Gold" focusses more on melody and a softer approach overall. There's a steady progression to the track; it builds up gradually until it ends on another powerful gang-vocal piece, very stripped back and is tailor made for live shows...it's very easy to imagine the crowd getting in on the action here, compared to the short yet forceful, almost THE BLACKOUT style assault of "We Are The Blame", before we finish up on "Find A Way Home". Featuring guest vocals from SHIELDS front-man Joe Edwards, it retains the steady, uniformed style the band have carried through the EP, with the lighter pop hooks and the heavier metalcore-esque segments all in unison, combining well.
While HKH haven't brought anything new to the table so to speak, the quality of what they have produced here is what allows them to stand out. There are many bands that do this, many of which fall victim to sounding like carbon copies of the band they copied copying an already copied band...but with "II" HKH have delivered just enough to get noticed, but have left enough room for potential too. It's kill or be killed for these hunters and they have no intention of being on the receiving end, 2017 could be big for these boys,take your eyes off them at your own risk. [7]
Stickler's for tradition they open up with "Intro" and for the next 41 seconds we're told there's "too much to take but, we will survive"...very defiant, a clear message that no matter what, these lads are prepared to dig deep...and it leads on to first track proper; "Too Much To Take"...it's a smooth transition and results in a strong conceptual EP opening sequence. The track itself is a blend of visceral hardcore-style vocals coupled with an up-beat, melodic rock backing. The harmonies and gang vocals add depth and really this is a pleasant start.
"The Hunted" carries with it a slightly, off-kilter, almost prog-inspired vibe, reminiscent of the early 2000's alternative scene...the key changes sounding jarred, it's easy to imagine them on Kerrang! back in the day with the likes of INME and HELL IS FOR HEROES, while "They've Traded Us For Gold" focusses more on melody and a softer approach overall. There's a steady progression to the track; it builds up gradually until it ends on another powerful gang-vocal piece, very stripped back and is tailor made for live shows...it's very easy to imagine the crowd getting in on the action here, compared to the short yet forceful, almost THE BLACKOUT style assault of "We Are The Blame", before we finish up on "Find A Way Home". Featuring guest vocals from SHIELDS front-man Joe Edwards, it retains the steady, uniformed style the band have carried through the EP, with the lighter pop hooks and the heavier metalcore-esque segments all in unison, combining well.
While HKH haven't brought anything new to the table so to speak, the quality of what they have produced here is what allows them to stand out. There are many bands that do this, many of which fall victim to sounding like carbon copies of the band they copied copying an already copied band...but with "II" HKH have delivered just enough to get noticed, but have left enough room for potential too. It's kill or be killed for these hunters and they have no intention of being on the receiving end, 2017 could be big for these boys,take your eyes off them at your own risk. [7]
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