HOMEGROWN “Kings of Pop”
I was really into this band a few years ago, especially around the time of their “Act Your Age” full-length came out on Outpost Records. Although that record did pretty good in sales, their label became a part of the merger craziness of the late 90s and they somewhat disappeared from the national radar – so much so that I pretty much forgot about them until I got notice that they signed to Drive-Thru. Slimmed down to a three-piece, HOME GROWN have firmly aligned themselves as a power-punk band with a special knack for pulling off great vocal harmonies and swooping guitar hooks. These guys used to be quite juvenile in the songwriting department (anyone remember their dreaded ska parts? the song “surfer girl?” ewwwww), but “Kings of Pop” displays a band that is a lot more sure of itself – and oh yeah, the sound quality is drop dead beautiful. Produced by the wonderful, Steve Evetts, this release has that same style of snappiness that SAVES THE DAY’s “Through Being Cool” had – large guitars, clean sounding drums, and soaring vocals. Trust me – you’ll be singing along to “Give It Up” in no time, and without a doubt, will have a blast doing to the “wah-oh-oh-ohhhhh…” There’s 12 songs on here, with about 36 minutes of well played, totally interactive music. I’m very happy to see these guys get another break and look forward to checking them out on the Warped Tour. If bands like NEW FOUND GLORY, MIDTOWN, SAVES THE DAY, and YELLOWCARD are your thing, this is most certainly a keeper.
Drive-Thru
