Weekly Release Spotlight: Hunx

Posted on 3/04/2012

Hunx
Hairdresser Blues
Hardly Art


Hunx has given his Punx a break for a solo album, but that does not mean he has dropped his early-era garage roots. Seth Bogart (Hunx) released his first single, "Always Forever," as a video in early February directed by Hanna Lew of San Francisco anglo-pop trio, Grass Widow. Using a tri-split screen method, a trio of Hunxes interact with one another, singing in retrospect to a former love. As the first full track released to the public, the aura of Hairdresser Blues was set - Hunx has loneliness on his mind, and it is not necessarily a bad thing. Exhibiting his traditional '76 punk background, Bogart has created a blues album for the lovers and the loveless to bop to alike.

Hardly Art Records released a video advertisement in late January, filmed and starring Hunx and Daniel Pitout (who drums for Hairdresser Blues). As a do-it-yourself project, Bogart and Pitout take us through various tracks, with a seemingly retro feeling and a San Francisco attitude, with the same sexual vibe Hunx has always had (full of brief crotch shots, chest hair, and smooth legs) . Pre-orders went out with a limited edition red Hunx comb, not only to convey the hairdresser attitude, but as a handy tool for punks to slick their hair back with when the wind dies down. Though the punx are not present, Hunx gives a nod punk culture - and before I even tore off the wrapper, this comb told me that this album would be another hit in the garage.

Hairdresser Blues opens with a forty second acoustic guitar and lyrical set up in "Your Love Is Here To Stay," a quick base line bumps and the drums jump up with a spike. "Your Love Is Here To Stay" is a slow track start to finish, but the classic Hunx sound from Gay Singles and Too Young To Be In Love is not lost. The boppers will be happy with the next few tracks, starting with "Private Room." Immediately, the catchy chord progressions Hunx fans and garage punks are accustomed to lead into faster-paced drums and some great "yeah-yeah-yeahs." Though the lyrics of "Private Room," "Let Me In," and "Always Forever" are filled with longing and a sadder tone than much of Hunx and His Punx' tracks, they still hold the vibe of cruisin' with your hot rod's top down to Lover's Lane and sipping cold beverages down at the beach. Hunx grants a vivid look into his personal life with the title track of Hairdresser Blues, "I don't wanna cut your hair / and I don't wanna go back to school / 'cause droppin' out is nice / and I don't wanna be a fool..." "Hairdresser Blues" and "Do You Remember Being a Roller?" still maintain a faster pace with a very up and down bounce typical of garage punk, while reinforcing the message of the album.

"I'm Not The One You Were Looking For" slows it down with a sway; the drums, guitar, and background harmonies almost portray a good track for a late night make-out session, if not for the break-up inspired lyrics. "Set Them Free" uses keys to create a unique garage sound that makes you want to move back and forth. The twenty-six minute record closes up with two slower tracks, "Say Goodbye Before You Leave," and "When You're Gone." The former, is an ode to a close friend of Hunx, the late punk, Jay Reatard, who took Bogart on tour a few years back. "When You're Gone," the slowest and softest track on the album, is thoughtful and emotional; a message to his Bogart's father, whom committed suicide while he was still a teenager. For those who choose to purchase the appropriate copy, there is a bonus track included, "I Love You A Little Too Much," written with a slightly different tone than the rest of the album: still quite slow, but almost heavy with a rock and roll vibe. Hunx's solo release Hairdresser Blues is at the core, another hit garage punk album. Sure, it has slowed down without the Punx, and breathes the new California surf-revival sound, but it works to convey a more personal message. Even with the change in tempo, Hunx is still a punk, and this album reflects that. The sound has changed, and now there really is a better way to tone, condition, and set.

Radio K's punk show, Clashed Attitudes, is presenting Hunx (and His Punx) at the Triple Rock Social Club on March 27. If you have not had a chance to catch them before, consider attending; trust me, he puts on one hell of a show.

Written by Morgan Luther, Clashed Attitudes co-host and Radio K volunteer

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