Huntingtons - Too Old To Care

The first album in 17 years for Baltimore Ramones worshippers, Huntingtons. Forming in the mid 90's, Muerto, Carcel, O Rocanrol! is their 8th full length. There's been plenty of line up changes down the years but currently they feature original vocalist & bassist Mike Holt and original guitarist & backing vocalist Jonathan "Cliffy" Walker alongside guitarist & backing vocalist Josh Blackway and drummer Chris Eller. The album's title symbolizes the possibilities that exist after 25 years together... Muerto (Dead; they played a "final" show in 2005), Carcel (Jail; where they'd have been without expanding their sound and taking risks) and O Rocanrol! (Rock n Roll; where they are now doing what they want, when they want).

The album is 14 tracks long, it's good value for money with over half of the tracks reaching 3 minutes or longer. It's not a new band banging out a dozen sub 2 minute songs at warp speed, it's the sound of a band that's been around the block and who have taken the time to craft something a little more substantial.

I am sharing the opening track ‘Too Old to Care’ which is also one of the stand out tracks on the album for me. Like another veteran band, Starflyer 59, they too are pining the realities of aging. Unlike that band, however, Huntingtons take a more cynical approach: “Took a listen to your playlist/Tried my best but man it’s not my thing. The modern royals might get your worship, but if you ask me J is still the king. It’s fine by me to not agree, and I’m aware. But I’m too old to care.” The catchy chorus and vocal harmonies had me singing along upon first listen.

While it’s too simplistic to identify them simply as Ramones-clones, it’s also no longer accurate to think of them as pop-punk. There’s a much more traditional approach to punk taken this time around, and yet the refined production suits the music. Raw and fast, and yet each instrument can be heard clearly which is a rare feat to achieve in this genre and for those reasons it is definitely worth giving it a shot.