HUNTING LIONS

HUNTING LIONS from the USA are a new band whose members have previously played with Tiger Army, US Bombs, or Roadside Bombs. So it’s no surprise that the band has already shared the stage with Booze & Glory, Riverboat Gamblers, or The Generators in their short existence.

The mentioned bands are a fitting reference for HUNTING LIONS. The five experienced musicians play a mix of street punk, Oi, a small but significant touch of '77 punk, and down-to-earth American punk rock. Their style sometimes reminds one of the sound of The Business, albeit with more melodies, or even Frontkick (does anyone remember them?), but with more of an Oi influence. Booze & Glory also serve as a good comparison, although HUNTING LIONS play in a more grounded, perhaps simpler manner, which should not be equated with being worse.

It’s a sound that is hardly played by young bands today, perhaps because it’s a sound that is not the sound of today’s youth. Rather, it’s a style preferred by seasoned punk rockers. For people who have gathered quite a bit of life experience, yet have neither lost nor sold their critical attitude or their soul.

With “Dark,” the band already released a 12" EP with 5 songs on February 17, 2023. The review of “Dark” on ramtatta.de can be read here:

https://www.ramtatta.de/s/reviews/f/details/id/9650/

Previously announced, “Light” is now coming out as a second 12" EP with 5 songs. 5 + 5 makes ten. The band could have easily released the ten songs as an album. That wouldn’t have been bad either. However, this way, the listener and buyer will miss out on something, namely two 12-inch vinyl records with one playable side and one non-playable side, beautifully adorned with a nice logo. Both vinyl records are highly limited, so they should enjoy not only musical pleasure but also an increasing collector's value.

The sound of HUNTING LIONS on “Light” is no different from that on “Dark.” Thematically, this 12" EP might be a bit more positively inclined, but that can be seen either way. Let’s say, the songs on this EP also sound life-experienced.

This 12" EP features as a treat and the only cover version “Hungry Heart” by Bruce Springsteen. I personally find HUNTING LIONS' version very successful. Once again, a song that has become even better through a cover version.

Those who like “Dark” will also like “Light,” and anyone who doesn’t know the band yet and appreciates a strong punk rock sound with a touch of Oi and street punk should definitely check them out.