Homecoming – Those We Know
Homecoming – Those We Know
Copper Feast Records
Release Date: 19/04/24
Running Time: 67:52
Review by Oli Gonzalez
7/10
There’s something in the water over in France! With wave after wave of quality post-metal bands, following perhaps in the footsteps of the mighty Gojira, there should be studies commissioned as to why this is the case. Especially with the likes of Year Of No Light, Hypno5e, Regardes Les Hommes Tomber, and many MANY more. Or in today’s case, Homecoming. Describing themselves as ‘post-whatever metal’, they are now 7 years into their journey on the eve of their second release “Those We Know”. With a sound rooted in the 90s Grunge sound combined with modern Progressive Metal, I was curious to see what the Parisians would conjure up and how it would compare to their countrymen listed above.
Well, things get off to a flying start with ‘Tell Me Something’. At over 17 minutes in length, it may seem like a commitment, but fans of Mastodon and Russian Circles will adore this! That’s if you love big riffs, delicious tones and meaty breakdowns… and who doesn’t? A solid vocal performance from Theo and Renaud too, making a great first impression on the listener with an aggressive yet radio friendly tone. This same formula and momentum continues into the next track ‘Red Rose’, with a spicy cocktail of riffs. The vocals are soothing, minimalistic at times. This ensures that the glorious musicianship isn’t over shadowed though, and it works! Homecoming change up the attack with a much more calm and ambient instrumental section at the midpoint. Well placed to let you have a breather and to enjoy the wonderfully soothing and calming vocals. You can sense tension is building. Building towards a crescendo. That comes at 4:30, with crushing wall after crushing wall of distorted guitar and the heavier vocals, then you’re treated to a wonderful soaring and blazing guitar solo! I go to check their Facebook page and wonder why they’re only on 1600 or so likes. They’re a band that deserve much more.
“Blood Of My Blood” opens in an austere, ominous manner. It’s friendly and inviting, all to lull you into a false sense of security because when the song inevitably gathers momentum, and the pace and volume sharply increase, you really do feel it! It’s another riff fest of a song. A song lasting just over 14 minutes. To be truthful, this is where I began to have my concerns. Songs of this length are difficult to pitch to the casual fans, especially in this instantly available entertainment on demand market. I felt as though, sadly, the ideas and riffs weren’t progressing fast enough either, so to get through this song felt like a commitment. Too much of a commitment. Likewise with ‘Interlude II’. In isolation, it’s a party of chunky guitars and bass that would make tone enthusiasts purr in satisfaction. In the context of this album however, it’s not really offering anything to the listener that you haven’t heard before.
Going into ‘Shores’, I did wonder if I had the mental stamina for an 11 minute song. There’s evidence of the band progressing their sound, especially with the heavier and faster mid-section. Is there scope for being more concise and succinct though? Perhaps.
I’m hoping for something special to end the album. ‘Gift Of The Eyes’ again shows an attempt to evolve the band’s sound with a more atmospheric feel in the guitars, with some tremolo-picked guitar riffs giving an ever so subtle Black Metal feel. It’s aesthetic and enjoyable. Not that special again in the context of the album sadly as listening fatigue has set in. If I’m thinking it, I’m sure more casual fans will.
So, how do Homecoming and “Those We Know” stack up against the post metal giants of France, and the genre as a whole? With an album produced to this very high standard, there’s some encouraging signs! They certainly have something. However, you can have too much of a good thing. I feel as though Homecoming could have made their statement and left their mark with half of their material from this record. I’m sure I’ll come back to this though, as I’m sure you the post metal fan will too.
TRACKLISTING
01. Tell Me Something
02. Red Rose
03. Blood Of My Blood
04. Interlude II
05. Shores
06. Gift Of Eyes
LINE-UP
Théo Alves Guiter – vocals, guitar
Renaud Fumey-Seguy – guitar, vocals
Basile Chevalier – bass
Theo Giotti “Atc De Giotto” – drums
LINKS
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