Honeyblood ‘Honeyblood: 10th Anniversary Edition' LP

Honeyblood’s acclaimed self-titled debut album was released a decade ago in July 2014. To mark the occasion, a 10th Anniversary Edition has been issued on translucent blood red vinyl. An album tour has been announced and starts in May.

Recorded in just ten days in Connecticut, US, with producer Peter Katis, Honeyblood’s self-titled debut album was laid down in just ten days. Despite their then-fledgling status and minimal setup, the songs came fully formed and perfectly assured. With nothing extraneous, the music is driven through tightly bound instrumentals and laced with the sheer strength and beauty of Stina’s voice.

The songs resonate with deep melodic hooks, and an uncomplicated charm that at the time drew comparisons to the likes of The Dum Dum Girls and the strident delivery of Jenny Lewis. They cited the darker currents of The Breeders, PJ Harvey and Throwing Muses as lifelong influences. 

From the urgent guitar and dive-bomb drums of opener, ‘Fall Forever’, the album twists through the gutsy punk of ‘Killer Bangs’ to reveal discordant anthems like ‘Super Rat’. It has pared-down, alt pop gems in the likes of ‘Biro’ and ‘No Spare Key’, but also more country-influenced moments like ‘(I’d Rather Be) Anywhere But Here’, ‘Braid Burn Valley’ and ‘Bud’.

‘Honeyblood’ pulls in elements of lo-fi punk rock, unfettered indie pop and a deep-seated passion for classic rootsy song crafting that helps give the album something of an undeniable feel.