SINGLE REVIEW: Hungry – Cambridge is on Fire

‘…The satirical dynamics of modern post-punk collides with the scrappy hedonism of 00’s indie rock…’

Things have been getting rather enigmatic over at camp Hungry. The Cambridge born four-piece released their debut single back in 2022, and have relentlessly gigged up and down the country ever since; they are undoubtedly one of the finest live acts around. Last year saw the band release their debut EP, ‘Are You The Best Yet?’, but the post-punk outfit are refusing to slow down. Since New Year, the band have taken to a self-described “Fenland Gothic” aesthetic, and indicate on every post that “Two Thousand And Twenty Six” is a year of importance to the band.

A change in aesthetic is, however, nothing without substance to back it up. Thankfully with ‘Cambridge is on Fire’, Hungry demonstrate that they have substance by the bucket load. The satirical dynamics of modern post-punk collides with the scrappy hedonism of 00’s indie rock to produce something akin to a young Arctic Monkeys collaborating with Yard Act. Bold and bolshy, bass lines meander with a melodic approach whilst guitars punch out crass yet undeniably cool riffs. Beneath this, the track is buoyed by a percussive beat that cruises by with a groove so infectious the WHO will try and contain it.

The vocals are brilliantly ridiculous, with spoken word, screamed passages, and vague allusions to melody keeping it feeling utterly frantic. This is especially the case during the track’s raging inferno of a climax, as the instrumental vehicle speeds towards a cliff edge and ‘Cambridge is on fire’ is repeated until you cannot help but chant along with it. It is pure, wicked, and brilliant fun to behold.

If this is to be an important year for Hungry, then there are few stronger ways of kicking things off. ‘Cambridge is on Fire’ is undoubtedly their strongest track to date, capturing the rapturous theatre of their live performances and distilling into a studio recording. Let it be known that Fenland Gothic is here, and let us pray it is here to stay.

For Fans Of: Arctic Monkeys, Yard Act, The Fratellis, Wet Leg, The Libertines

Featured photo credit belongs to Lucy Craig (@lucycrgart)

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