The Hunna @ Leicester O2 Academy2 (Live Review)

“You are all we need”

The Hunna: Internationally recognised rock band, kings of the live circuit and now independent. They make it all look so easy. Effortless. In reality, you don’t get to the top of your game without hard work, a fair share of setbacks and a willingness to take risks.

Through it all, Ryan (singer/guitarist), Daniel (lead guitar) and Jack (drummer) have remained close to their DNA. Staying true to an adoring audience.

I remember my first introduction to The Hunna. Like most, it was Bonfire. At the ripe old age of 18, I didn’t think much of it. Despite being from the same ilk as Catfish And The Bottlemen and Circa Waves, something didn’t click with me. Six years later, I got it. Because I saw them live.

At first, it took me by surprise. Of course – they have a vast repertoire of hits, which isn’t surprising after four studio albums. One of which is gold-certified. I expected a classic rock show, with tunes stacked up every so often, to keep people riled up. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

It became clear early on that these weren’t simply a string of Summer shows. This was a middle finger at their management, who, in Ryan’s words, discouraged the band from touring or releasing music. This ‘Us vs. them’ mentality created a roaring night and only tightened the community that fuels this band’s success.

The venue was noticeably squeezed, Leicester’s small room only holding a few hundred people. For a band accustomed to iconic stages, this felt intimate. In a beautiful way. It felt right.

The Hunna (Charlie Wright / Northern Exposure)
The Hunna (Charlie Wright / Northern Exposure)
The Hunna (Charlie Wright / Northern Exposure)

After hearty support from Crispin’ and Denver County Council, everything kicked off with The Storm. An apt choice. A confident introduction, from their most ambitious record yet, produced by Gil Norton (Foo Fighters, The Pixies). Punk-inspired Take A Ride (Lights, Camera, Action) slotted in comfortably next, the trio gleaming with an assertive gaze.

We Could Be oozed nostalgia, every word being sung back. The reception was no more or less than what came before it, people loved it all the same. While one of their earlier anthems, it still holds an immense weight for fans new and old. “This is another oldie, and requires some sexy dancing. You all look sexy”, laughs Ryan, diving into another favourite, Piece By Piece. Everyone rose to the challenge, complimented afterwards, “You’re sexy, Leicester”.

Most of the setlist was woven together from their latest self-titled effort and debut, giving us a real glimpse into where the band is at. As they raced through big hitters (Fugazi, Apologies) alongside early material (Babe, Can I Call?), the boys appear creatively refuelled. They’re comfortable, but not reserved. Self-assured and ambitious.

“It’s not a rock show without sweating your t*ts off. That’s why we have our tops off. If I could, I’d come out here naked.” remarks Ryan. He was right, it felt sweltering. To be expected, I realised. Not only because it’s the Summer, but because it’s a Hunna show. The packed O2 Academy was on fire with devotion, excitement and disbelief.

Despite that statement, there was one moment to wind down. A stripped-back version of Sycamore Tree, dubbed his ‘Mum’s favourite’, prompted phone torches and lighters. Aside from the obvious, this track showed Ryan’s vocal ability. “You’re all f**king legends” someone cries out, taking the words right out of my mouth.

“This song needs no intro. It’s our favourite part of the set. I’ll let you guys take it away”. Leicester knew what was coming, and they were more than prepared. She’s Casual. Singing back the entire first verse, without any band input, was a moment of shock. The puzzle was coming together. As the track progressed, you could feel the gratitude resonating from the band. And for the audience? Pure joy.

The Hunna (Charlie Wright / Northern Exposure)
The Hunna (Charlie Wright / Northern Exposure)
The Hunna (Charlie Wright / Northern Exposure)
The Hunna (Charlie Wright / Northern Exposure)

After possibly the highlight of the evening, the band took a moment to remind us of tonight’s purpose. “What just happened is why we’re able to go independent. It just felt very poignant to say this after that song, because we wrote it at 17. In a garage before The Hunna was even a thing.”

That brief interlude of nostalgia and reflection only felt fitting to be followed by one song. The same one I had never been sure about and didn’t understand. Bonfire. As the crowd began yelling the lyrics, again without prompt, the puzzle finally clicked into place.

Moments like this are what make The Hunna so poignant. The fact they followed this tune with a new one, which went down just as well, was staggering.

The Hunna are a well-oiled live machine, backed by down-to-earth personalities and a real bond with their audience. Regardless of whether you met them or not after the show, you still felt part of this community. In today’s music, community is a safe space. Rock anthems designed to fill an arena, mixed with a tangible connection to the artist? I get it now.

They may have disappeared for a while, but they’re back. And by the sounds of it, primed to release vast amounts of new music and get back on the road. These shows are the beginning of their journey to reclaiming their crown in the indie scene. It won’t take long. You better believe I’ll be front row when this happens, and so should you.