Bristol Rough Trade, 18th February
The Hunna is a perfect example of a band I could not define within one genre; they have the colourful, energetic, and bright tones of indie and pop punk through synths and vocals, whilst also touching many elements of emo, metal and alternative rock with its heavier bass lines and guitar riffs, as apparent in songs like ‘Trash’. An acoustic show strips back many of these defining elements, which may strip back the personality of the songs. The Hunna, however, did not lose their personality by stripping back for an acoustic set, and instead used the opportunity to connect with their fans and let the personal experiences that inspired the songs shine through even more.
The setlist consisted exclusively of songs from their latest album, including ‘Untouched Hearts’ of which the acoustic version was released only a few days prior. Regardless of the album being relatively new, many fans were excitedly singing along, and the atmosphere was overall respectful, loving and nourishing, to a point where the audience did not consist of 180 individuals, but a community. The band matched this energy perfectly, and repeatedly expressed their gratitude and love for being able to do what they do – and that they simply love sitting down, playing some songs, and having a chat in a more intimate setting than usual.
The Hunna eloquently combine many subgenres that fall under the alternative umbrella term, in a way that they would have a song for everyone regarding their specific niche, which was visible in the demographics of the audience. Even if attending as a +1 without any prior knowledge about the Hunna and their music, the acoustic set brought a beautiful blend of all the good flavours of alternative music, added with the intimacy of a signing, where hit songs like ‘Bonfire’ and ‘She’s Casual’ were not missed on the setlist. One would walk away with eagerness to buy tickets the next time they are in town and hear the full extent of their art, and potentially add a new favourite album to their record collection.
@dennemanphotography
Role: Photographer, Reviewer
Qualifications: First Class BA (hons) degree in Music Business at BIMM Bristol, first year certificate (Propedeuse) in Journalism at the University of Applied Sciences Utrecht
Available for: gigs, shoots (mainly portraits) and tours!
First gig attended: technically Guus Meeuwis when I was younger (Dutch pop artist), first gig I bought a ticket for with my own money was One Direction on their Where We Are tour, but first ‘proper’ gig was Foals and Everything Everything in Amsterdam in 2016!
First shoot: Frank and Beans at The Crofters Rights early 2022, but first photo pass was Mayday Parade, Real Friends and As It Is at the Marble Factory on June 1st 2022
Dream gig: there are a couple of line-ups that I would love so it’s hard to choose, but I’d love to shoot Harry Styles one day
