Homecoming - Those We Knew

2024-04-16 07:00:10

A quartet from the city of love hits the big time with angry, complex sounds: Homecoming were already able to make a name for themselves with their first album. The mix of post metal, sludge and almost rocky to proggy tones fascinated and overwhelmed in equal parts. But that was just the beginning: With „Those We Knew“ The French are introducing more and more 90s rock sounds, experimenting with grunge approaches and never forgetting the crazy madness of their sympathetic, cerebral presentation, which deals intensively with sadness, uncertainty and constant hope.

A contradiction on paper, but an absolute winner on record: “Red Rose” impressively illustrates that this mix can work brilliantly. From the first second it’s simmering, high tension reigns and combines disruption with virtuosity, while the vocals alternate between deep casualness and hoarse screams. The reduced, melodic break underlines the grunge darkness that keeps pushing to the surface before the anthemic second half turns the dial completely, then introduces an almost doomy heaviness and finally crosses the whiny riff with alternative and sludge. This is at least as weird as it reads, but also damn good.

Ultimately, the great power of Homecoming lies in this breaking of all chains, with even a long instrumental piece like “Interlude II” getting under your skin. The supposed interlude lasts nine minutes and plays with effects devices and emotions as well as oppressive samples. The subsequent “Shores” is even a good two minutes longer and emphasizes the classic prog facet of the French, which is more prominent this time. Expansive solo work prepares for the long, hellish descent in the final act. And then there’s “Tell Me Something”, the monumental opener that just throws everything together and spins the post wheel completely. There’s even room for black metal sprints.

Homecoming makes a huge leap from the beginning, although it quickly becomes clear that even more could be done here. The increased rock and grunge elements offer a lot of potential that is not yet fully exploited and in some cases comes across as a bit too unwieldy. Sure, you complain on a high level, but “Those We Knew” could do even more. The combination of the melody with the brutal metallic madness and the proggy presentation definitely knows how to entertain. If the French tweak the adjustment screws a little more, the result will be a real masterpiece, but even now it is already in a damn strong, impressive form.

Rating: 8/10

Available from: April 19, 2024
Available via: Copper Feast Records

Facebook: www.facebook.com/homecomingmusic