For many, emo music is instantly synonymous with bands like My Chemical Romance, 30 Seconds to Mars, and even Paramore. While they were responsible for popularizing this iconic style during the 2000s, many already understand that, in reality, they do not have a direct connection to the genre's essence.
If we delve deeper into this topic and aim to be more specific, those well-versed in the genre will agree that the term "emo" derives from "emotional hardcore." This subgenre found its roots in the mid-1980s within the underground scene, seeking to explore a more introspective and emotional facet of hardcore punk music. Over time, the essence that once made it so distinctive, believe it or not, remains intact and has stayed relevant for over 40 years.
Bands like More Than Life, Capsize, Defeater, and Mayfield took it upon themselves to keep this melancholic and emotional musical style at its peak during the 2010's, infusing it with melodic elements and giving it a renewed aesthetic. However, over time, the overwhelming rise of metalcore and djent gradually pushed it into the background, turning it into an indelible memory for those of us who lived through it.
While it's true that there are still some good bands trying to capture the purest essence of melodic and emotional hardcore, these are becoming increasingly rare. As with any limited treasure, their rarity quickly makes them incredibly valuable to those of us who appreciate music that comes from the depths of the heart.
Based on this premise, Homewards stands as the last bastion of this captivating style. Their unique approach to musical composition not only pays homage to the genre's roots but also offers a deeply captivating and meaningful experience for listeners.
Each of their songs evokes a strong sense of nostalgia, not only thanks to their deep lyrics and emotionally charged melodies but also because of the entire aesthetic surrounding the band. These talented guys from Zurich, Switzerland, have paid attention to every last detail. From their album covers featuring overcast skies, winter landscapes, and a color palette with muted tones, Homewards offers us a timeless experience, where they bring back the essence of melodic hardcore with an impressive sound quality, using advanced recording and production techniques to blend the best of the classic with the modern.
Homewards, who made their debut in 2016, already boast an extensive repertoire that includes several albums and promotional singles, with their latest studio release, titled Is This Still Who I Am?, standing out. This spectacular collection of 6 songs offers us the opportunity to open our minds and hearts to the feelings of pain, anguish, and anger that we usually hide or that reside deep within our emotions.
Through its 20-minute duration, the band invites us on an intense auditory experience, where every chord and note feels like a true emotional catharsis. Listeners can feel understood through their lyrics while also finding an escape from the existential void that seems to inevitably invade us throughout the course of our lives.
"Shimmer," one of the most notable tracks from this spectacular EP, not only because it is the album's promotional single but also for being the one that best reflects this theme, stands as an incredible composition with impressive lyrical and compositional depth. It honestly and courageously explores the search for meaning and belonging, while also shining with hope on that distant horizon that never stops glowing but is difficult to reach.
Recorded at SOS Basement Recording Studio and mastered at Echochamber, "Is This Still Who I Am?" was officially released on September 26, 2024, and stands as their most ambitious and remarkable offering to date. As their seventh studio release within a spectacular and steadily rising discography, this is undoubtedly a true musical gem still waiting to be discovered, and one that must not be missing from your collection.
That's why, we extend a warm invitation to all our community to not only enjoy this great album but also to listen to the band's complete discography, which you can find at the following link. Additionally, don't forget to follow Homewards on their social media to stay updated on their latest news, announcements, and upcoming releases!