BARNS COURTNEY / THE HUNNA – THE 404 TOUR
Keith Mahler and Mark Nussbaum of Premier Concerts/Manic Presents scored another amazing coup for the Space Ballroom. They secured Barns Courtney’s “404” tour with The Hunna for support. The sold out show was one of the highlights of this concert year.
The Hunna are an English four piece alternative/rock band whose style and music focuses strongly on the songs and musicianship. The band is comprised of Ryan Potter (Vocals/Guitar), Daniel Dorney (Lead Guitar), Junate Angin (Bass) and Jack Metcalfe (Drums). Their first album 100 was released in 2016 with much fanfare. Their second record Dare was released earlier this year. After a brief hiatus due to the fact that the band was in litigation with their management and record label The Hunna are back and raring to go.
The Hunna opened the set with an energetic “We Could Be” off of 100. From the moment they stepped on stage you could feel their fire. Many in the audience (including my daughter) knew the band and quickly began to grasp their fierce vibe. The band then went into “Fever” , a brash song from Dare. Potter’s voice was perfect for this rousing tune. Metcalfe’s exuberant drumbeat carried the song. “Babe, Can I Call” followed. This mid tempo rocker’s lyrics and ambience showcased the the depth of The Hunna. You could feel the yearning for a lost love in Potter’s voice.
Before The Hunna played their new single “IGHTF” (I Get High To Forget) Potter went on a brief discourse about the bands aforementioned trials and tribulation with their previous management and label. The band went into hyper mode. The band’s attitude was full of bravado and swagger. Dorney’s guitar was manic. In fact the whole band sent a loud “fuck you” message to their old business partners.
“Flickin’ Your Hair” and “Y.D,W.I,W.M.” with a solid bass line from Angin came next and by this time the room was totally into the band.The Hunna closed out the set with a couple of songs, “She’s Casual” and their hit “Bonfire” from the first album. Their final song I believe was D.G.A.F.
The Hunna‘s show was boisterous and impressive. The band played like banshees on a mission. I for one are glad they are over their misfortunes. Mark my words, they will be massive soon.
Headliner Barns Courtney is an extraordinary talent. The English singer/songwriter has amassed quite a few hits in his short career. He is no stranger to AMP as we reviewed him last year when he opened for the Wombats. There also is a short impromptu interview on the website. When I met him last year at College Street Music Hall I found him very amicable and welcoming to his fans.
Courtney opened the show with “Fun Never Ends” from his just released new L.P., 404. His stage persona is frenzied. He’s like a whirlwind covering every inch of the stage. The anthemic song was a perfect start. The crowd starting bouncing after the first couple of riffs. “London Girls” came next and Courtney had everyone chanting the infectious chorus. The audience realized they were in for unbelievable performance. Courtney came to play.
Courtney followed with a number of songs from his first album, The Attractions Of Youth. “Hands”, “Hobo Rocket”, “Never Let You Down”, “Little Boy” and the bluesy “Champion”. By now the room was in full Courtney mode. Each song brought roars.
“Glitter and Gold”, also off The Attractions Of Youth, uplifted the audience. This may be Courtney‘s greatest hit. The fans practically sang the entire lyric. When Courtney played “Hollow”, “You and I” and “99”, his three biggest hits from 404, the show’s energy ramped up even higher. Courtney graced the crowd with a romp in the pit to everyone’s delight.
Courtney finished out the night with “Golden Dandelions”, “Kicks” and his other monster hit “Fire”. I don’t think Courtney ever stood in the same spot for more than a few seconds through out the night. He is an amazing showman and gave the ensemble a very memorable evening. We all left more than satisfied.
My advice to you is don’t miss Barns Courtney on his next go around and The Hunna are a must see. These two acts are on an ultra upswing and love to give their fans their all. Kudos.
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