After the release of their 2014 debut LP, ‘The City We Call’, the Sheffield rock outfit took some time to go back to the drawing board. And they found their sound.
The Homesteads will release their new self-titled EP through DMF Digital’s Alya Records on 21 October. The EP is led by the new single, ‘Clear The Skies’, which is available now. And you can watch the video on their Facebook page
‘Clear The Skies’ is a battle cry to pursue your dreams, and the drums are at the centre, as Richardson sings: “Remain in your ivory tower, if a tree falls it still makes a sound.” Its resounding intent to not have regrets or opportunities missed.
“We want people to know the minute they turn this record on we mean business,” he
said.
Recorded at Air Tight Studios in Manchester with producer Bob Cooper (Nai Harvest), the 4-track EP uses a layered approach to achieve the potent blend of rhythm and rock they were hoping for.
We asked our writer Frank for his thoughts on the EP – which we lucky enough to get a preview of it – and here’s what he said:
“The band say ‘Think Manic Street Preachers, Stereophonics, Radiohead’ – or at least that’s what the press release says, and yep for me there’s that huge but stripped back Manics sound there but it’s not a slavish copyist sound. The Homesteads have a sound that is very much their own. And to that list of touchstones I’d add Springsteen, it has that muscular sound.
“And while there’s obviously some very careful production at work here, it doesn’t take away from the raw energy of their sound. And let’s not forget the lyrics which are great, I like a nice lyric and these four tracks tick that box.
“For me at least the two stand-out tracks are ‘Saturday’ and the single ‘Clear The Skies’ which switches things up with some really nice acoustic sections.
“Get this if you like raw rock played with a passion and feeling. I’ve said it before but cue this EP up and turn it up loud. Still don’t quite get that Radiohead reference though.”
The Homesteads are Ashley Richardson (vocals), Aaron Ventura (lead guitar), Luke
Riley (guitar), Jack Thickett (bass guitar) and Alex Fell (drums).
