The debut LP, ‘Hazel’, from quintet, Young Hunting, is mature and thoughtful. An album deserving of multiple, attentive spins, undisturbed in a dimly lit room. Written and recorded over several years, Hari Rex & Ilya Mxx, are songwriters who absorb the subtext of life, allow it to marinate in their bones, and slowly whisper back it’s poetry. The first three singles, “Maze,” “Sweet Bird,” and “Rust,” were individually leaked as the album progressed, showcasing the band’s lush arrangements and 70s folk pop influence. But, it is the newest single, “Wrecking Ball,” that proves the bands staying power. It’s the kind of deeply personal anthem filled with the magic that can stir gut-wrenching emotion is even the most disconnected listener. The album was released this week on Oakland’s Gold Robot Records. Young Hunting play the Bootleg Bar this Friday, June 14, followed by an in-store at Origami Vinyl on June 25. – Jacqueline Caruso
