Huntingtons

Item: Songs in the Key of You
Author: Tom Bastian

Songs in the Key of You

(2001)

Reviewed by Tom Bastian

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Label Tooth & Nail RecordsDecapolis2001

pop punk punk

This is the Huntingtons' 6th studio album, their 4th on Tooth and Nail records. Songs in the Key of You was primarily written by Mikey Huntington while the Huntingtons were on tour during the year 2000, without him (yeah sort of like a Brian Wilson (Beach Boys) type deal...but not really).

The Huntingtons are one of those bands I have pretty much followed since the beginning of their career. From their days with Flying Tart Records, to their Ramones phase, to the present, the band has always seemed to catch my attention. It's not that they are doing something overly original or new. But I think it's that what they do, they always seem to do well. When they were going with the Ramones thing they did it well, so well that legendary Joey Ramone felt the band was good enough to play as his band on two separate occasions. As with most bands the Huntingtons have grown and matured with each release...and with "Songs in the Key of You" this growth is immediately noticeable.

"Songs in the Key of You" brings us back a few years to the more pop-punk based Huntingtons sound. Reminding us of their earlier works on the albums Fun and Games and High School Rock. Sure most of the songs are about girls, love, friendship and heartbreak. But that's what this genre is all about isn't it? The thing is, this time around the songs are more heartfelt. Instead of made up topics about a friends crack-head mother, sniffing glue and their mom who's in rehab, the band sings of things they know and have experienced first hand, in most cases.

Musically the album is very well done. Sure it's a rather standard pop-punk album, but with the great harmonies, well written lyrics and melodic hooks the band stands out from all the other bands that currently would fit into this genre. They are also a breath of fresh air compared to many of the indie rock/emo bands that are currently filling the college radio airwaves.

What turns out to be one of the most impressive songs on the album is one that you most likely would never really expect from this band. A slow song, with acoustic guitar and all called, "If You Only Knew". A true life story about a guy (who's not too great of a husband) that the band knows.

The Huntingtons have gone through a major change just a few months back, with founding member Cliff Powell (Cliffy Huntington -guitar), leaving the band to pursue a new band (The Reaction). But the band seems to be moving on and with an album of this caliber supporting them they definitely should begin to get the attention that they deserve. Especially at a time when commercial radio seems to be playing bands such as Saves the Day, Sum41 and Blink 182.

A-