Short, addictive tracks betray the talented creative mind to be appreciated, supplemented with impressive collaborations that show this album was many things in the making, including a passion project and what seems like a great deal of fun to make.
Everything about this album, from first burp to last pluck is an absolute treat.
While Homecoming could hardly be described as a massively commercial record, it’s certainly Du Blonde’s most accessible album to date, and the short running time means that it never outstays its welcome.
While Homecoming is missing some of the eccentricity and intimacy that made Lung Bread for Daddy so powerful, its frankness and playfulness proves Du Blonde can give her music a pop makeover without losing what makes it real.
‘Lung Bread For Daddy’ was an often dark meditation on the ageing process, but here Du Blonde has thrown off the fear and self-loathing to enjoy the ride.
The whole album conjures the catchiest moments of 90s Boston indie rock – Pixies, Belly, the Breeders.
The most consistent and cohesive album she’s released since her debut, Homecoming is the sound of an artist finally feeling comfortable with her awkwardness.
What the streamlined sound of ‘Homecoming’ lacks in broad musical scope, it more than makes up for in attitude.
Representing another shift in direction, this time opting for poppier hooks and a dialling down of the angst, it documents Du Blonde’s ongoing attempt to try and better understand the world she inhabits.
Beth Jeans Houghton's third album as Du Blonde is a slice of life in all its messy, complicated and ultimately doomed glory.
Homecoming’s guests include Andy Bell, Ezra Furman and Shirley Manson. Adding little, they seem rather superfluous (as does learning the album was written on a guitar given to Houghton by Curb Your Enthusiasm actor Jeff Garlin).
First things first here. It's driving me insane. The song Medicated rips off The Pixies so hard it hurts. It literally snatches from multiple songs. With that out of the way, the rest of this is perfectly fine fuzzy indie rock music delivered in bite size chunks as rarely do these stick around for longer than 3 minutes. I enjoyed the Ezra Furman feature quite a bit and there are a few scattershot highlights here but...this has been done before and not only been done better but waaaay better. ... read more
Du Blonde - Homecoming
Genre: Post-Grunge
Country: UK
Final Verdict: 46% (Average Album)
Yearly Ranking: 772th / 781
Highlight: Medicated (feat. Shirley Manson)
Made me think of:
The Dogs
Garbage
Courtney Barnett
#4 | / | BBC Radio 6 Music |
#10 | / | Gigwise |
#49 | / | Piccadilly Records |
#78 | / | Louder Than War |