Home$lice – Howdy
Home$lice's debut album Howdy is sharp, sweet and full of character
In a few short years, Home$lice have become some of Glasgow’s most prolific up-and-comers. After two EPs – the early Citizen Kane 2 (2016), and a more polished release in Young Creatives (2017) – the five-piece condense their varied influences on debut long player Howdy. Recorded at Green Door and released on Spiral Oh, a new Glasgow label dealing in local lo-fi talent, Home$lice pack a ton of weight in to seven concise tracks, whipping up storms and conjuring sunshine for their slickest record yet.
Gone speeds from brooding clouds to sky-high euphoria, by way of sparkling shoegaze and carefully controlled drumming chaos. There’s an almost post-punk tone to the darker notes, making for a dizzying drive. If You Want takes it lower, a jittering rhythm section setting the stage for psychedelic hooks which break themselves apart. Twin singles Sick and Real Lyf capture the double edge of the band: the first is a dreamy, nostalgic indie rock tune, but the second is a brisk, fresh pop hit that jolts like a splash of cold water. It cuts through the album’s fantasy for a crowd-pleasing riot, with a breakdown set to start a room bouncing.
At times, Home$lice’s vocals feel a touch predictable, drowned out by pearlescent guitars, but when they rip, they really rip. Sharp, sweet and full of character, Howdy should see Home$lice pack out this summer’s shows.
Listen to: Gone, Real Lyf, Stillicide