The Key Studio Sessions: Honeythunder

The indie-punk four-piece Honeythunder has been simmering on the Philly DIY circuit for the past couple years, and this week it releases its latest and greatest project, a dynamic new EP called Tailspin.

Led by vocalist and bassist Kat Bakrania, with support by singer-guitarist Bel Furman (a solo artist in her own right), guitarist Dan McKeon, and drummer Izzy Ross, the band stepped on the scene to It’s All Crashing, an album of high-octange garage rock in the spirit of Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Sleater-Kinney. That same energy leaps out of your speakers on “Grip It And Rip It,” the lead single from Tailspin and the opening song of their Key Studio Sessions set. But as the project and the performance move forward, a more nuanced energy reveals itself.

By not cranking their amps to eleven, the simmering “Flood” leaves space to absorb and reflect on its lyrics addressing rage, self-image, and mental health in poetic tones. The deeply personal closer “Can’t Stay Away” rides a midtempo groove to a cathartic explosion, reflecting on the aftermath of romance and the uncertain process of moving on, but doing it in one’s own way.

Watch Honeythunder’s full Key Studio Sessions performance below, and celebrate Tailspin at the band’s EP release party this Saturday night, August 31st at Johnny Brenda’s with Caring Less and Kulfi Girls. Details at the XPN Concert Calendar!

Setlist
“Grip It And Rip It”
“Flood”
“Can’t Stay Away”