Hunx and His Punx just released their second album, but in many ways it's their first.
The record, titled Too Young to Be in Love, marks a change in direction for the Oakland band, as well as a new lineup. Last year's Gay Singles established frontman Seth Bogart's playful flamboyance as he sang homoerotic takes on '70s punk, but Too Young is inspired by different muses: '60s girl groups like the Ronettes and the Shangri-Las. Bogart has branded the revised sound "young oldies," and the name is an apt one.
From the catchy opener "Lovers Lane" (MP3) to the downtrodden title track (MP3), Too Young to Be in Love serves up sugary hooks and bittersweet nostalgia in equal measure. It's a winning combination, and a lot of the credit goes to Bogart's new all-female backing band -- comprised of bassist Shannon Shaw, guitarist Michelle Santamaria and drummer Erin Emslie -- whose powerful vocals make the songs swoon and soar.
San Diegans can bask in all the old-timey goodness on April 9, when Hunx and His Punx play the Tin Can Alehouse. Shannon and the Clams, Shaw's other band, and Plateaus will be opening. It's also worth noting that the evening will be presented by Art Fag Recordings, the red-hot local label that gave Dum Dum Girls, Crocodiles and Best Coast their start, so you know it'll be a good time.
Chris Maroulakos is a writer and managing editor for the San Diego music blog Owl and Bear.
