Hometown Anthem are a six piece synth rock band from New Jersey and they aren’t going to set the musical world on fire. However this seven track EP “If we could dream” is actually pretty awesome and I’d imagine that many Punktastic readers would agree with me. Having released a full length album on Emerald Moon Records in 2005, an album which I haven’t been able to hear yet, the band fuse pop-punk hooks with an aggressive undertone on this release and its well worth checking out if you are a fan of bands such as Cartel, Boys Like Girls and to some extent Hit The Lights.
After an impressive thirty second introduction, where the band showcase their hard hitting style, the release is fully underway when “Like no other” rips into action. It’s technically nothing new here, but its exciting pop-punk with an infectious chorus and just enough keyboard action to keep me happy. This is enhanced on “Picture Perfect Pieces” as the synth driven intro leads the way for an even better track in my opinion. Vocally the band are quite easy on the ear and this is evident on “The Chase” as the tempo is slower and the band highlight their ballard writing abilities. “It’s worth believing in” almost sounds like a completely different band, as the computerised beats remind me of another band from New Jersey, called Goodnight or Sleep – but this track adds a diferent element to “If we could dream” and its a nice inclusion.
Having featured on Warcon Records “Best un-signed bands in North America” compilation last year it appears that I’m not the only one enjoying this band, and with fast paced and catchy songs I’d expect many more people to fall in love with this band.
Tom