Another act has succumbed to triple j Unearthed High name-change syndrome. Yes, you will all likely remember Howl as those rambunctious upstarts from Ballarat who claimed the crown back in late 2009. Well, times they have a’changed and Howl are no more. The good news is that Hunting Grounds is the very same band. Same music, same members, spanking new moniker.

Why not Howl? What’s in a name? Well, let’s face some hard truths: Howl may well be the most unGoogle-able artist name since “Is” – who were the inaugural Unearthed High winners in 2008 (and subsequently changed their name also). Besides, being mistaken for a doom metal band hailing from Rhode Island, USA is not something that is high on Hunting Grounds’ list of priorities. Things that are high should be pretty self-evident from their live performances and releases thus far.

So, why Hunting Grounds? Well, on the cusp of renaming themselves Paradise (another nightmarishly ambiguous title) the sextet took a cautionary peek at the words synonyms in a Thesaurus. Thus, Hunting Grounds is lifted from the North American Indian’s belief in a heaven-like “Happy Hunting Grounds” Odd, we know. But the bottom line here is that Hunting Grounds is Howl, the same cheeky, off the cuff teenagers with some impressive musical chops and a wild live show.

Hunting Grounds are not about to attract all kinds of attention with a name change and then disappear from the nations stages and radios. They are currently working away to present you with your first taste of Hunting Grounds’ offerings. The band will also hook up with new buddies Grinspoon again to support them on some April NSW dates. Once the sensation simmers down however, Hunting Grounds do plan to record their debut album, which sadly means a break from the road. But never fear, Hunting Grounds are here to stay.

HUNTING GROUNDS TOUR DATES:
Thu Feb 17 - The Johnston, Melbourne VIC (Pon De Thursday opening night)
Sun Mar 13 - Pushover, Abbotsford Convent Melbourne VIC (All Ages)
Thu Apr 21 – Rooty Hill RSL, Rooty Hill NSW (w/ Grinspoon)
Fri Apr 22 – Hornsby RLS, Hornsby NSW (w/ Grinspoon)
Sat Apr 23 – Roxy Theatre, Parramatta NSW (w/ Grinspoon)
Sun Apr 24 – Waves, Wollongong NSW (w/ Grinspoon)
Mon Apr 25 – Panthers, Newcastle NSW (w/ Grinspoon)