Home Front : "Games of Power"

 

This Canadian band starts things off with a brand of post punk that puts the emphasis on punk, while keeping things bleakly tense. More electronic elements creep into the racing pace of "Real Eyes" while the vocal form a chanted hook. What is becoming clear about this impressive debut album is rather  than pick one band to pay homage to, these guys are clearly inspired by the 80s. however the pulled from a mix tape of the decades more thoughtful punk moments. Despite synths this song charges in a rowdier punk direction with a huge gang chorus. The bass player is who seems most determined to make things post-punk, while the vocals are normally punk, sometimes this is done in a manner that owes more to the Ramones or Iggy Pop.

"Overtime" has a more indie rock feel in how they back off and sing more. Regardless of genre, which is a phrase that could apply to the bulk of this album, they have a knack for writing catchy tunes. 'Contact' finds the beat owing the most to the 80s. though the reverb heavy guitar sound is not far behind. One of least punk songs, I have heard from this album so far due to it's more introspective new wave pulse. Things go in a more Joy Division direction on "End Transmission", before taking things to the dance floor on the title track. 

"Face Value" continues in more new wave revivalist direction . The vocals are more melodic than the punk shouting earlier in the album. I would not say they really capture the anthemic John Hughes sound. To their credit the arrangement shifts and the song becomes more focused on the guitars. This creates a very effective dynamic. "Born Killer" finds a repetitious chant as the back bone of the song. It has a paranoid twitch to it. Things end in a interesting direction as the ambiance makes me think of a cross between Gary Numan and Pink Floyd, fans of Drab Majesty will appreciate it. It will give this album a 9, as it is not hooky enough to draw me in for repeat listens but you have to respect the scope of what they are doing and the talent to pull this off.