Home Grown

Item: Kings Of Pop
Author: Travis Persaud

Kings Of Pop

(2002)

Reviewed by Travis Persaud

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Label Drive-Thru RecordsDecapolisMay 2002

pop punk punk

This is Home Grown's debut album on Drive Thru Records. Expect it out July 25th.

Now before you see Home Grown's name, roll your eyes, and quickly skim down to the next article or click to the next page, take the time to read this and keep an open mind. Home Grown is relatively well known within its genre, for churning out simple pop-punk songs about girls in a mediocre fashion. While this is somewhat the same with their latest album Kings Of Pop, they have definitely stepped up, and have surpassed virtually every band similar to themselves.

Their debut on Drive Thru Records has elevated their music in every capacity. While their subject matter is the same as on prior albums, the quality of songs have risen beyond all past efforts. The first thing that has to jump out in your face is the vocals. I think the title of the album says it all, this is a pop album with punk influence, and the vocals reflect that. Clean and smooth is the best way to describe it; and to top that off, their harmonies are right on, striking at the perfect moment. Now the guitar work and drumming hasn't really changed drastically since the last time we've heard them, but the guitar tone has improved their sound considerably, especially during the cleaner areas throughout songs. If their first single, which will most likely be Give It Up, catches on the radio, look for Home Grown to start gaining mass popularity quickly.

Of course there is nothing groundbreaking with yet another pop-punk album to saturate the market and your holy local record store, but it's nice to see a band that can do it right. All fans of this genre, forget about Blink 182 and the rest that are following behind their heels, and pick up this album. And if you're not necessarily a true fan of the whole pop-punk thing but need some fun catchy music, pick this album up when it comes out. Summer time music has never sounded better.

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