19 March 2024 – The Croxton, Melbourne – words & pictures by Nicole Smith-Walker
The mighty Mongolian band The HU (Galaa, Enkush, Jaya, Davaa, Temka, Jambaa, Uunnu and Odko), have brought back their Hünnü rock to Australian shores for this years Knotfest, playing a Sold Out show at The Croxton Bandroom in Thornbury, Melbourne on the 19th of March, 2024.
The HU were opened by Melbournes own prog-metal band The Omnific (Toby, Jerome, Matt). The fully packed room was warmed up by the continues instrumental sounds of drum and bass. At times it was meditative. While in the realm of metal, The Omnific would be a stark contrast to the the Headliners.
The Omnific – Croxton Bandroom – photos by Nicole Smith-Walker
In between sets, as expected, there were chantings of “HU!”
The HU opened with ‘Shoog Shoog’, ‘Bosoo Khukh Mongol’ and ‘Khukhuchu Zairan’.
While the crowd appeared enthralled the entire performance (and many chants of “HU” throughout their set), I expected more head banging, dancing and moshing. Maybe from my view I could not see certain parts of the crowd, but I was genuinely surprised by how little the crowd moved near me, especially since their last Melbourne show. Despite this, The Hu remained high energy the entire performance.
The Hu – Croxton Bandroom – photos by Nicole Smith-Walker
During the night, a fan shouted for ‘The Great Chinggis Khaan’, however this song was not included in their set this time around. I am personally hoping this will be played at Knotfest.
Crowd favourites were ‘Black Thunder’, ‘Yuve Yuve’, ‘Wolf Totem’ and ending with ‘This is Mongal’. To end of their incredible performance, they had an encore of a cover of Metallica’s ‘Through The Never’.
To describe the performance of The HU would be this; “These guys are on another level!” said by a punter.
The Hu – Croxton Bandroom – photos by Nicole Smith-Walker
The Hu were on point the whole night. The whole time I could not stop smiling- this band still remains my favourite live act, which I had written in my previous review of their last tour Black Thunder of Australia in August of 2022 at 170 Russell.
Anyone still on the fence about attending Knotfest, I would encourage you to go! Don’t miss out on seeing one of the best live acts in the world!
