We wrote a discovery feature on New York's Hunters last month to coincide
with their pre-release single "She's So". Feeling the anarchism in the
voices of guitarist Derek
Watson and frontwomen Izzy Almeida is an understatement. The punk they play
isn't just a United States 70s Ramones copycat - they don't have any punk rock
fans called Sheena (perhaps they do... That's not the point.) Instead of the calm, righteous three chord
progressions USA's punk scene is known for, bar-The Stooges, Hunters play a
heavier unique style of punk. It's the gritty, sparse lyricism and sound of
Wire's Pink Flag, with a modern twist that brings to mind the 90s alternative
rock and grunge scene. Last month we compared "She's So" to a certain
Chicago band: "Hunters fulfil the hopes and dreams of a 80s kid
wanting more Smashing Pumpkins." This comparison, and part of Hunters'
sound has to be credited to Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha. He
produced their 2011 debut EP Hands on Fire with Yeah Yeah Yeah's
guitarist Nick Zinner. Watson shares the same guitar sounds of Iha, and the
same hairstyle as Zinner. The duo have an idea of what they want to achieve
with their debut album HUNTERS. Mom + Pop have given them 100% backing
and looking at Mom + Pop's punk related artists, Wavves, FIDLAR, and Parquet
Courts, it looks like they can take Hunters to where they want to be.
As
a frontwomen, Almeida
has her work cut out. It's not just about being a vocalist when you're in a
punk rock band. There’s a certain image, aesthetic that needs to be followed.
Almedia is more of a future icon than a regular vocalist. Her high hitting
vocals are reminiscent of Karen O, with dainty features of expression
relating well with Watson's grainy, rough vocal - Cobain-esque.
"Narcissist" is the opening track on HUNTERS. It's a sweaty,
punk-pelting song that's easily distinguishable to their earlier discography.
One of punk's biggest enemies is repetition; Hunters have been fighting off criticisms
with their extensive genre binding history. It's not just punk, it's the
essence of alternative rock, garage rock, and art punk built together to create
a defining sound. "Narcissist" opens with a breath-taking distorted
two note bass riff, and ends with a harsh harmony and a drone fade out.
Hunters' recordings sound more like a dominant genre takeover, rather than the
up and coming band they really are. They’ve already penned a full album, with
sights on a nail-biting future. Project-Hunters is a go, destination:
rock.
~Eddie
