Home is West’s Here and Now EP Review

Coming out of San Clemente is alternative rock music band sensation “Home is West,” blazing the rock genre trail with their new EP titled “Here and Now.”

The EP was initially scheduled to drop back in March, but Covid-19, the new sheriff in town, forced a recording’s postponement. However, the band simply gave the pandemic the middle finger by turning the delay into a momentous opportunity to review the project.

They used the time they were apart in isolation to review, repurposed, and make necessary adjustments to the project. The lyrics, the songs, and even the EP’s title saw improvement, after which they once again defy the pandemic, then back into the studio, and in just twelve hours put together one of the shortest but powerful alternative rock music masterpiece ever to grace the music landscape of Cali.

Why the buzz about Home is West?

In case you’re wondering why there is so much buzz among Home is West’s followers following this new EP release, let’s get it right.

Home is West had already carved a name for themselves back in 2019 when they dropped their first album, “The Moment.” The album turned out to be a great success considering the band’s little-known status in the music industry. Guided by the intellect and experience of producer and sound engineer Geoff Neal, the 2013-born band has produced wonderful music and sounds that have warmed their way into the hearts of many that love rock and alternative rock music.

Dissecting the EP Here and Now

When 4-track EP attracts one of the major radio stations (91x San Diego) in the marketing business, it only means one thing: the music is dope. That’s precisely what the Here and Now EP by Home is West is all about.

Like I said earlier, there are four tracks on the new EP, and each of them bores a unique difference in flow but all with bespoke quality. In other reviews, I have said that what makes good music is not just the sound but the lyrics and the underlying message it seeks to convey. Goddamit! All the tracks on the EP have just that—a unique and meaningful message for the listener.

On the first track, “Mexico,” the band demonstrated their stable infectious choruses and powerful riffs that instantly hook the listener. Mexico personifies the inner peace that so many people crave in their lives. The song starts with a bit of a darker and melodic sound on the guitar, and just when you think this is going to be one of those old, slow songs, it went boom!!!, as the tempo proceeds into an upbeat of fast-driven heavy guitars and frantic beats. The old, energetic surf sound that twines with the little Americana vibe gives you the feeling that you’re listening to a classic country and rock music combination. The male vocals are clear, commanding, and enduring. From start to finish, this is one song that you won’t get tired of playing with your door glasses rolled down while cruising moderately on the highway against the wings to only-God-knows-where. The foot-stomping and head-nodding drums siding with the buzzing guitar riffs and clear vocals make this one of the best sing-along tracks I’ve heard this entire year.

The second track on the EP is “Sooner or Later,” and you can tell this was going to be hot from the very five seconds. Once again, the band was heavy on the guitar, and that foot-drum stomping and distinguishable light cymbal vibe flow create a distinct but equally expected rock sound, howbeit in the alternate sense. While this track doesn’t command the opening track’s lyrical clarity, the groove is, however, head-banging and massive. The lyrical meaning strikes a balance with the relentless energy to make the track a memorable one. Sooner or Later is a song that talks about karma
—what goes around comes around—you can never run away from the consequence of your actions. They will always catch up with you. Nice track.

The band’s third track, The Window, is the most touching and outstanding EP track. Everyone has lost someone at some point, and even though we strive to move on, we can’t help reflecting on the bittersweet evergreen memories. The beat is more calculative, softer and the melodic range takes a pop-like approach, occasionally drifting into emotional vocals and soul-piercing guitar walls. This track will give some listeners chills of sorrow and satisfaction combine. “Close your eyes to see. I’ll always be there,” are some of the robust lyrical flows that define this all emotional and dynamic sound-track.

Eight Seconds is the closing track, and it brings the band’s dynamic sound to life. The blend of disco, pop, and rock upbeats creates the impression that this EP was written and created for a live setting. The acrobatic drumbeats and synchronizing guitar infusions showcase the band’s ability and proficiency to get heavy and demonstrative with their sound.

Overall, the production is rich and impressive all through the EP. The electronic guitars, the keyboard/synth, and electronic drums used at various points further attest to Home is West’s unconventional style typical of the alternative rock genre.

Here and Now is available now on all major platforms. Follow Home is West on Instagram to stay up to date on the release and other activities.

Link to the Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/album/0K2CNhIo6u7FnQnnKfgLN1?si=QufN2FTiR9iD5403xjdXMA

Social links to connect:
https://linktr.ee/HomeisWest
https://www.instagram.com/homeiswest/