Some say rock n roll is a young man’s game. The long drives, early load ins, tense interpersonal relationship struggles, poor health choices and constant uphill climbing to scratch at the faintest hint of recognition has wrecked the dreams of many a poor kid. It’s true that this life is not for the faint of heart nor the weak of will, but for those suited to it, rock n roll is everything. Lifers know, and you can see it in their eyes. The first time I met the gentlemen in On The Huh, it was plain to see that these guys had dedicated their lives to this. Boasting members of UK punk legends Infa Riot, Special Duties, and Braindance, it’s fair to say these blokes have been around the block a time or two, and they are here to tell us all what they’ve seen.
Second Time Around shows solid growth from the band’s previous offering, Bit On The Side, continuing to showcase the big gang choruses and working class themes of previous work while amping up the rock n roll influences. The guitars are big, pleasantly overdriven and bluesy. The vocals are delivered with authority and charm in equal measure. The bass work, while slightly muted is sharp and steady. The drums are tight and driving throughout. The production is clean and straightforward, creating a lean and muscular set of recordings. It wouldn’t be out of left field to compare this to fellow UK pioneers like Cocksparrer, Sham 69 or even a less contentious Peter and The Test Tube Babies, but this is no rehash. The proof is in the songwriting.
There are plenty of the sort of genre requisite tunes here about working class solidarity, drinking and the importance of loyalty that one might expect from this particular brand of street punk, as well as a healthy dose of irritation and indignation at a new generation of technologically obsessed youth poised to inherit the earth. However, while these songs have their value and certainly contain some standout sing along choruses, it’s when the band delves into less standard territory that my ears start to perk up. Thrown into the mix are songs that lean into the routine and mundane in a way that actually makes them far more relatable and sincere. “Can’t Be Arsed” looks at marriage through the lens of a perpetual adolescent (also referred to as musicians) whose better half has long left the party scene behind them in favor of a quiet life at home. Regardless of which side you fall on, the premise is refreshing and played with tongue firmly planted in cheek and heart pinned sturdily to sleeve.
Other standouts include “Elf N Safety”, which may be the first time I’ve ever heard a song attacking job site health and safety inspectors. As a former carpenter’s apprentice, I can fully empathize. Bureaucracy and red tape are the bane of the working man and it’s about time someone gave em what for. I also particularly enjoyed “Fry Up”, in which the fellas extol the virtues of going wild on a greasy plate of eggs, sausage, beans, tomatoes and mushroom lovingly known as a full English breakfast. If you haven’t experienced the pure unadulterated joy of a traditional fry up, I’m afraid your life is severely lacking. Book yourself a ticket to Old Blighty and live a little, why don’t ya?
All in all, Second Time Around is a solid sophomore outing from a band that knows what they are doing, and who they are doing it for. If you love bands like Evil Conduct, CockSparrer, or Vanilla Muffins then On The Huh might just be your next obsession. If you have the chance to catch them live, I highly recommend doing so. Their energy and humor are infectious, and you are guaranteed to walk away grinning. Pick up your copy of Second Time Around from Sunny Bastards Records or stream it on your favorite service today!