Bassist-singer widens options with 5 Minute Love Affair, second band

By John Benson

Pittsburgh resident Eric Hundenski is hoping his latest Steel City band, 5 Minute Love Affair, is going to go far.

However, the bassist-singer isn’t putting all his eggs in one basket. Considering he’s also a member of rock act Eye C Snakes, let’s just say he’s looking to increase his odds of success.

“I’m just keeping my options open right now,” Hundenski said. “It’s really hard to say, the music industry is really hard to get into and a lot of work. So I’m just opening doors for both bands and whatever happens, that’s the one I’ll go with. All of us have been in previous bands, and a few of us have actually toured as well nationally. 5 Minute Love Affair started last year when we began writing and then we just started playing out recently, about four to five months ago. We’ve been working basically on recording. And hopefully pretty soon we’ll be playing other places than in the tri-state area.

“The other band I’ve toured with wasn’t signed but did tour across the country. And I’m actually still in the band Eye C Snakes. They’re from Pittsburgh, too, and we just played the Sundance Film Festival and were out on tour for a month. We opened up for The Cult and P-Funk.”

When it came time to form 5 Minute Love Affair, Hundenski turned to his longtime friend Brian Diamond (vocals, guitar). Soon Jody Kevish (vocals, guitar) and Doug Schmitt (drums) were in the mix, with the band taking a Senses Fails-meets-Taking Back Sunday approach. Among the tracks the band is hoping to record later this year are the heavy “Fallen Angel,” the pop rock-sounding “Slip Away” and the rocking “Tonite [Take Away the Pain].”

“We’re definitely melodic but still have an edgier side to us while still being poppy,” Hundenski said. “It’s kind of a mix between everything. I think it’s catchy choruses and we’re big on the vocals with the harmonies and yet still having heavier parts.”

Having already played Youngstown in the past with various bands, as well as with 5 Minute Love Affair, Hundenski said the quartet fits right into the local music scene. The band has a Friday gig at The Firehouse in Austintown.

“Actually, I think the music scene in Youngstown is pretty good,” Hundenski said. “It seems like everybody who comes out to the shows enjoys the original stuff. And that’s kind of what we’re striving to do. So we’re looking forward to the next show out there.”

Finally, considering the band’s name is 5 Minute Love Affair, what’s the secret to a successful yet brief romantic encounter?

“I don’t know,” Hundenski laughed. “I think it’s a cool name but I guess the secret to a five-minute love affair is not to get caught, right?”