On their ambitious debut album ‘Exactly As It Seems’, Home Counties confidently established their groove; filled with dry wit and abundant rhythm, it was inevitable to draw parallels with LCD Soundsystem or Hot Chip. It's no surprise, therefore, that the six-piece brought in Al Doyle—an essential figure in both bands—to produce their next project. ‘Humdrum’ continues the band’s sharp wit with an even more refined rhythmic punch.
From the disco-infused ‘Ravelling’ to the edgy dance-punk of ‘Roundabout’, the influence of the producer is apparent throughout. The heart of the group lies in the contrasting vocals of Will Harrison and Lois Kelly, and their chemistry is showcased here. This is especially notable in ‘Spain’, which depicts a struggle between an idealist holding onto hope and a weary cynic who’s ready to join the self-proclaimed ‘expats’ on the Costa Blanca. ‘When In Rome’, reflecting on the riots of 2024, is the album’s most serious track, conveying frustration over the cycle of blame, exploitation, and political maneuvering that ensued. Meanwhile, ‘Meet Me In The Flatroof’ resembles a contemporary ‘Four Yorkshiremen’ sketch, featuring status-seeking newcomers unaware that they, too, are contributing to gentrification. If ‘Exactly As It Seems’ captured a band discovering their sound, ‘Humdrum’ represents them honing it into a sharper tool.
They've directed their gaze, which is still looking downward, both inward and outward simultaneously.
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Sardonic jabs delivered with an even sharper rhythmic impact.