Show Review: Coasts and The Hunna

The Bands:

Both Coasts and The Hunna are UK-based rock bands.

Coasts was formed in 2011 in Bath when its members met while in University.  Their debut album, Coasts, produced the band's first two hit songs with "Rush of Blood" and "Oceans." Their most recent album, This Life, Vol. 1, was released in August of 2017.  The band embarked on a major tour this year through Europe, Australia, and the US.

The Hunna formed in 2015 when singer Ryan, and lead guitarist, Dan started playing music together while at University. They later met the other two members, Juanate and Jack to form their current lineup.  Their first single, Bonfire, was released in October 2015.  Since then they have gained a major social media following and consistently tour Europe and the States.

 

The Venue:

The Crescent Ballroom is a 550 capacity venue in Downtown Phoenix. It features live music every day and offers a lounge with full bar service and kitchen, called Cocina 10.  They're menu was created by local celebrity chef, Chris Bianco, so you know it's pretty dang good.

The Show:

Well, here it is. My first first post. It's funny, because I went to this show somewhat on a whim and debating if I should buy tickets.  However, I said to myself "just do it, they're a good value and you've been listening to Coasts for 2 years, so why not see them live?" Ultimately, I'm glad I decided to go, because it was a great time and both bands put on great performances.  

Unfortunately, I don't have much in the way of pictures and video from this show bc typically when I go to concerts I try to be present and enjoy it in person vs. behind my phone. I ended up deciding to start this website afterwards, so, my apologies.

The opening band of the show was Courtship, and honestly, I wasn't a fan.  Their look, stage presence, and songs were sub par in my opinion. Overall, they had a good attitude and weren't the worst band I've seen live. I'm going to be seeing them again in June when they open for Night Riots in Phoenix, so we'll see how that goes.

Coasts was next and they were absolutely awesome.  I always worry bands I really like won't live up to the recorded versions of their songs, but Coasts sounded exactly the same, if not better. Chris, their lead singer, has an incredible voice and the rest of the band are masters on their own instruments as well. You can tell they're having a great time up there and even their drummer, Ben, stands on his drum set several times throughout the show, which isn't something you see very often.

We ended up hanging out with them for a bit after the show and they are all extremely nice (and funny), which is always a plus.  Below is a picture from their set. Be sure to check out @rockinfluxig for a picture of us with some of the band and take a look at their website, www.coastsband.com.

Next up was The Hunna. Honestly, initially I wasn't interested in seeing them but after their first song I had definitely changed my mind.  I was previously only familiar with their song 'You & Me,' which truthfully, I don't like very much.  However, they have several heavier, more rock forward song that were great. Their live performance is packed with energy, and you can really tell those guys are fully enjoying what they're doing.  Truth be told, they're now on multiple playlists for me.  I didn't get to catch the end of their set because we were talking to Coasts at the outer bar by that point, but I did catch most of it and they have some really great songs.  Some of my personal favorites are 'Piece By Piece,' 'Still Got Blood', and 'Bad For You.'  You can get more information on the band and their music at thehunna.com.

Overall, I'm really glad I went to this show and whenever either of these bands come back to Phoenix, I will definitely be there.

I apologize this review isn't exactly as detailed as I'd like it to be, but I'm just starting out with all of this, so bear with me.  I'll get better, and I've got plenty of show experiences to share.