Hunnywell - pure heart

Hunnywell

Pure Heart
self-released; 2014

3.7 out of 5

By Ethan Skelton

Hunnywell is a Tacoma Washington based duo of surprisingly talented high school students Sammy Patnode and Harrison McDonald. The band was originally formed as a studio project in March of 2013. The band performs as a 5-piece and shapes their songs around storytelling and quirky mood / tempo changes for hooking sound bites.

Sammy Patnode coos gently like the warm and charming young artists of her age and definition. She blends with the self-acclaimed manly vocals of Harrison McDonald. Their voices carry this album because it’s predominantly about two party verse exchange, harmony and maybe some airy acoustic with drums. The lyrics have a good sense of humor and humanity. There are a lot of cute moments that attribute to that charm I was just referring to. No one can resist a blossoming voice that delivers clean and peaceful registers, no big notes in sight. It’s a refreshing and trending nature in this type of music – far removed from the played out expectations of pop stars.

Every song off of Pure Heart has its own lovely melody and has consistent movement and layering. I really enjoyed the final moments of “A Vixen’s Lament Pt. II.” I felt that could have been the point where the two vocalists hit gold. The album does contain conceptual themes, but it’s generally an upbeat and chill ball of sugar. “Suffocation at its Finest” has such a sweetly composed beginning and Patnode’s voice is like fresh cream. The acoustic takes the forefront from its initial support and the song hits full stride. The Cranberries would be proud of such respect and space given to the acoustic melody, both stripped away and lively. And like most songs should, the outro holds and swells into a tasteful climax. Patnode cycles the refrain, the guitar shreds, the tension is released and it’s all over but the reflection.

Pure Heart was aptly named, delivering honest moments of love whether open to interpretation or not. You have to applaud the efforts of these young artists and the songwriting skills they share. This album is a great find for the young and old at heart.

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