Live Report: The Hunna in Germany

Live from Köln, Germany

We introduced them to you in our issue #19 in November 2018 as the heirs of rock and it’s true that with their sophomore album “Dare” released last summer, the British band The Hunna are still quite new to the music scene. However, their performance last month in Cologne, Germany proved that they are already competing with some of the biggest names in the rock scene.

The Hunna graced the stage acclaimed by a really enthusiastic and almost sold-out venue and directly spoke to the audience sharing the news that they parted ways with their record label who wanted to “screw [them and their fans] over” and that they were not letting that happen. After encouraging applause they opened with “We Could Be”, who couldn’t be more appropriate with that kind of news. Right from the beginning we are struck by the band’s energy and the singer’s moves, who falls on his back mid-guitar riff, carried away by the enthusiasm. Rock’n’roll!

Although the audience is pretty into it, Ryan the singer notes that the crowd is pretty polite compared to the British one. But it doesn’t take much for the crowd to literally start going crazy as soon as the next song begins. “Bad For You” comes on, starting with a menacing yet seductive guitar riff and demonstrate Ryan’s singing ability but also Jack’s amazing drum skills. Everything is neat, energetic and the band doesn’t shy away from playing some long instrumental for lasting pleasure, which we personally love. For the rest of the show, the audience has lost its mind and casually starts a mosh pit in the middle, which will not end until the band performs their last song.

The Hunna did not forget their iconic song “Dare” on their setlist, with rough jubilant guitar riffs and Ryan’s vocal accuracy. “Flicking Your Hair” and “Y.D.W.I.W.M.” with the ferocious hook “we’re too loud, can’t turn us down” follow right after, creating an exciting build-up before the band starts to play two new unreleased songs. During “What You’re Waiting For” Ryan decides to go crowd-surfing twice, which the security guards apparently did not see coming! A true rockstar.

The band takes a break quite early in the set and only Ryan the singer stays on stage to perform a heartfelt acoustic version of “Brother”. The acoustic takes the song on another emotional level and create a beautiful atmosphere.

The Hunna’s energy on stage is clearly memorable, the singer’s movements are quite spectacular, and the musicians’ symbiosis is really tangible. Some of their riffs are exhilarating, the drums groovy (and with a slight hiphop vibe) and the catchy choruses that make their way onto most of the songs make you want to move and sing your heart out. There’s no other option than playing both albums on repeat and full volume after a night like this!

WORDS AND PHOTOS BY LUDIVINE DESUMEUR