Caves – Homeward Bound (Yo-Yo Records/Specialist Subject Records)
When I was on tour with them this summer in the UK, I learned a drinking game that involved drinking every time you heard a “whoa” in one of Caves’ songs. The first night I saw someone play that game, I saw him finish five pints in the band’s twenty-five minute set. Readers beware–the band’s first full-length record, Homeward Bound, brings this game to a stereo near you. Whoas are a primary vocal resource for this three-piece from Bristol, and the catchiness that results from that is infectious.
Caves – Homeward Bound (Yo-Yo Records/Specialist Subject Records)
When I was on tour with them this summer in the UK, I learned a drinking game that involved drinking every time you heard a “whoa” in one of Caves’ songs. The first night I saw someone play that game, I saw him finish five pints in the band’s twenty-five minute set. Readers beware–the band’s first full-length record, Homeward Bound, brings this game to a stereo near you. Whoas are a primary vocal resource for this three-piece from Bristol, and the catchiness that results from that is infectious.
The album features one guitar track the whole way through, which gives it a raw, punk-as-fuck feel, despite having a nicely polished rhythm section. The sound never feels thin, however, as guitarist/vocalist Lou Hanman rarely strays from crunchy power chords. When she does play leads, Jonathan Minto’s warm, full bass sound and solid drumming from Dave Brent fill in the gaps.
Hanman’s vocals add to the rawness invoked by the guitar work, and are raspy and charming. The lyrics may leave a little to be desired—they are minimal and rarely stray from slightly vague first-person proclamations—but their simplicity is often charming. Whoas and repetition work together to create music that is easy to sing along to. It worked for the Ramones, why can’t someone else pull it off?
This is a great record for anyone who is a fan of bare-bones punk rock that doesn’t get too wrapped up in overproduction. Good songwriting and anthemic charm are the keynotes to this album. The album is at its best when the guitar work is allowed to shine through, as Hanman is an innovative and talented musician. Catchy and fun, Caves have made a great record. Stone sober or five pints deep, you’ll have a hard time not singing along.
