What Hakan has done over the past decade is quite extraordinary. Without ever significantly altering its musical style or approach to songwriting, this Bergamo, Italy–based trio has delivered four equally great full-length albums. At no point have I tired of the band's hard-driving yet totally poppy punk rock sound. If almost any other band were this repetitive stylistically, the returns would inevitably diminish. But Hakan leaves me wanting more every time. In my book, this is one of the best punk rock bands of modern times. Perhaps Hakan has questioned exactly how long it can keep pulling off this trick, for its new EP does mix things up a little (in a way that will still please longtime fans). Out now on Jarama 45RPM Recs, EP #2 is a work of remarkable efficiency. It packs six songs onto one 7" record, with no track running longer than a minute and a half. Songs like "The Only One" and "Give It a Try" (which brings to mind labelmates Neon Bone) find Hakan going all-in on pop-punk. "Dead and Gone" sounds like the best song the Buzzcocks never wrote. "Another Man" has me hearing Weezer, and I'm not mad about it. "Rocco Baroque" is anthemic old school punk that will have you jumping around and shouting along. And if you're still seeking some classic Hakan, "Living in America" will not disappoint. Six songs on one 7" is a swell deal, and all these tunes are first rate. This EP makes me really excited for Hakan's forthcoming fifth LP. Clearly the band has found a way to expand its core sound while still continuing to marry punk and pop in a most satisfying way. Vinyl for EP #2 is limited to 300 copies, so hop to it if you want in on the action!
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