I remember we covered BackHome’s last (first) single “Visita”, but it was my comrade Eddie who did the write up, and Eddie knows a lot more about “pop-punk” than I do. That said, the song starts out with that fast punk beat we all know well, that very “Fat Wreck/Lagwagon/No Use For a Name/power chords galore” sound, and I admit I was tricked into thinking the song might be one dimensional, but was glad to be wrong. Around the 30 second mark there is a cool little breakdown with clear guitars and when the band crashes back in, a really nice “lah rah rah” type sing a long piece that fits perfectly for the space in the song. We get a cool little {Jawbreaker Bivouac} feel when everything drops out towards the 2-minute mark, with nice bass tone filling up the space. I don’t speak Spanish very well, although I know “uno” means “one”. No, really. When you combine the title with the artwork of a person staring out a window alone and the longing sense of the song, you start to feel lonely and shitty yourself. BackHome is 4 dudes from Venezuela, some of whom I think are in other countries, and while I am clearly speculating, since I can’t make out the meaning, I can’t help but wonder if this is a personal song or a political one or a maybe a little bit of both? I guess it is my inclination to hope that more people are talking and singing about politics because I fear people not paying attention. Is this a music review? Anyway, I was about to start critiquing the production as it doesn’t sound as super clean as other bands in this genre, but as I think it I realize that this is a good thing. I’m glad I can hear the vocals and there aren’t 18 guitar tracks blasting louder than everything else in the mix. I’m glad the snare pops. There is space for the song to breathe in the mix, which isn’t easy to do in a loud punk band. BackHome is a young new punk band from Latin America that has something to say and impressive musical ability. Show them some love and support.
- Joe Pugsley