Tell All by Homestead
FFO: Counterparts, Capsize, Being As An Ocean
Favorites: “Doubting Thomas,” “The Vine,” and “Tell All”
This is my first album write-up on this blog and I can
promise it won’t be my last. This post is dedicated to an album called Tell All
by a band called Homestead. For those who are unfamiliar, Homestead is a
five-piece melodic hardcore band from Connecticut. Although they have not been
around long, they have already become a staple in their local scene.
Tell All is a collection of ten songs that tell a story of
finding light in times of darkness and hope in times of despair. Each song is
brutally honest in the most beautiful and poetic way. I would highly recommend
listening to it from beginning to end at least once; it’s a really cool and
emotional experience. The record flows beautifully and is more cohesive than
other records I’ve listened to.
This record is heavy, but not too heavy. Songs like “If Only
You Knew,” which features Louie Vigorito, vocalist of New Jersey band Idle
Minds, “Dangerous Characters,” and “Relapse” will make you want to start a pit wherever
you are. Each of these songs are written from the heart and have real meaning
behind them.
My two personal favorite heavier songs are “Doubting Thomas”
and “The Vine.” Both of these songs have a great balance of clean vocals and
yells. “Doubting Thomas” has the perfect mix of yelled verses and a super
catchy, clean chorus. The gang vocals on “The Vine” give me the chills whenever
I listen to it and it’s incredible live.
Like I said before, Tell All is not an album with ten
high-energy, heavy songs; “Mourn” and “Sulfur” are somber and much calmer than
the songs previously talked about. Both of these songs are very melodic and
beautiful. You can truly feel emotion behind the lyrics and the vocals;
especially “Sulfur.”
The record has the perfect balance of heavy and soft songs
but the most surprising song is the title track “Tell All.” “Tell All” is the
closing song on the album. It comes after “Relapse” which is much heavier. On “Tell All,” the mix of clean vocals and spoken word over
an acoustic guitar is more powerful than the heaviest riff or breakdown. The
lyrics to that song are dripping with emotion and a love that comes from the deepest
parts of someone’s heart. It’s truly amazing. The first time I listened to it, I
was driving and had to pull into a random parking lot because I was so overwhelmed
by what I was listening to. I had to sit for a little while and cry because it
was so amazing. I’ve said this time and time again – music is powerful and one
of the most beautiful things on this planet.
If you want to check out Tell All, it is available for
download on Bandcamp and streaming on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, and tons
of other international streaming platforms.
Author’s Note: I had the pleasure of seeing Homestead at their
record release show in Mystic, CT in January and I will say that it was one of
the most powerful shows I’ve ever been to. If the Homestead dudes come and play
a show near you, go. You’ll regret it if you miss them.
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