Coming in at a mere 11 minutes, Homebase‘s debut EP Close to Something is a blistering introduction to the New Jersey punk quintet. Despite its brevity, this frenetic hardcore-infused pop punk outing makes sure you know exactly who you’re dealing with — and it’s left me eager for a future full-length album.
I hadn’t heard of Homebase until an editor slid a link to Close to Something into my inbox to check out — and I’m really glad she did. I’m picky about my pop punk; I love upbeat and melodic music, but I can’t stomach the saccharine vibes and overly-commercialized sound typically associated with post-90s bands in the genre. But Homebase has (mostly) found a balance between vulnerability and unruliness, and it’s really working for this grumpy and aging punk fan.
Close to Something‘s eponymous opening track serves up the kind of straightforward beat and nostalgic vocal delivery you might expect from Dude Ranch-era Blink 182. It’s certainly the most fun and accessible song on the EP, with its sing-along melodies and introspective lyrics making it an excellent way to acclimate to Homebase’s energy before they unleash their heavier tunes.
Afterward, ‘Start Over‘ begins strong with chunky guitars and booming drums before calming into a simple acoustic strumming pattern about 45 seconds in, ultimately revealing itself as an intro for the third song, ‘Nuff Said‘, a pulse-pounding anthem with an infectious chorus.
Meanwhile, ‘Bold‘ is a short but immensely catchy tune that revisits a poppier sound before the EP closes with the punchy ‘I Feel,’ which sees the band at its most technical, with the drums and guitars shifting around the track in some stirring ways that border on progressive. The EP may be over in a flash, but it’s a sick-ass kick to chest from beginning to end.
There are moments on Close to Something when a background vocal or guitar melody flirts with early 2000s screamo, yet an ever-thumping tempo and vocalist Antonio Valentino’s aggressive delivery keep the songs drenched in a punk aesthetic. This tension is what keeps the EP exciting; Homebase has admirably blended genres here without sacrificing the raw punk thrills they’re clearly most keen on delivering. More of this, please.
Close to Something track list
- Close to Something
- Start Over
- Nuff Said
- Bold
- I Feel
Homebase – Close to Something: With Close to Something, Homebase introduces themselves properly with a killer blend of hardcore and pop punk that nails a sense of urgency, anxiety, and angst across five thumping tracks. If this debut EP is any indication, these guys are worth keeping an eye on. – Billy Givens