Whilst some bands and solo artists are fortunate enough to find themselves with a record deal at the start of their careers, many others have to self-fund their EPs and albums in order to reach their audience. It’s a route that Across All Oceans have taken with their second EP, but such is the brilliance of ‘Homegrown’ that there’s no doubt it will gain them the recognition that they richly deserve.
The rich and warm guitar tones of ‘Everywhere But Home’ offer up a classic emo intro but they soon build into a punchy verse that features some of the most passionate vocals heard in a long time. Despite the brief two minute length ‘Everywhere But Home’ reaches a powerful crescendo and it’s a highly impressive opening song. ‘Permanance’ comes across as more typical structure-wise but it’s no less exciting as Across All Oceans once again show off their impressive songwriting talents, expressing themselves lyrically and musically with relatable lyrics and crunching riffs.
Across All Oceans is open about their love for early 00’s punk and post-hardcore and ‘Homegrown’ is shaped by the sounds of that era almost as much as it is by the band themselves, but it’s a perfect combination of personal creativity and influence. There are songs that wouldn’t sound out of place on ‘Tell All Your Friends’ or ‘Deja Entendu’, such as ‘Monophobia’, with its perfect blend of crunchy yet melodic guitars, driving drums, and cathartic lyrics that steer well clear of cliché.
‘Homegrown’ hints at a slightly grungier edge but it sits well with the other songs even though it may not stand out quite as much. Similarly, the first forty seconds of ‘Eston Square’ may sound as if it’s going to take the form of an introspective emo ballad, but it soon explodes into an anthemic blast of melodic post-hardcore that ensures the EP ends on an absolute high. The production on each song is nothing short of excellent, and along with the song writing and musicianship it’s key to giving ‘Homegrown’ the emotional warmth and depth that other bands simply fail to find. Despite the band members living at different universities across the UK their commitment has resulted in the excellent ‘Homegrown’, and on this evidence their next release will be very special indeed.
CHRIS HILSON