US band HOMELESS HILL was formed in 2009, and released their debut album the following year. Since then they have built something of a reputation for themselves in their local scene in Georgia, US, and many have high hopes for this band establishing themselves to a much broader audience in the foreseeable future. Part of this due to their second album “Invincible”, which was self-released by the band towards the end of 2012.

One can understand the hopes many have for this band too after taking a good listen or two to their sophomore production. They explore a likeable and accessible style of music, and with the approach the band have chosen this is a type of music that should have a fairly broad appeal.

At the core of their compositions we find a tight and steady rhythm section, with a clever and energetic drummer and a skilled bassist combining their skills elegantly to support the more dominant aspects of the material. The guitarists obviously given a prominent place in the proceedings, alongside lead vocalist Darin Curtis.

With this band we’re not talking too much about a particular style or sound really, but more of a common, shared approach throughout. The guitarists provide groove-laden constructions, with something of a particular fondness for ascending and descending patterns if my mind and ears are up to the task of listening and analyzing today, alternating with compositions that has a firm emphasis on accessible, hummable melodies. The lead vocals the proverbial icing on the cake, Curtis is a singer just as able to convey gentler frail moods as he is in delivering vocals with intense, dramatic  emotions to the core. Always in a likable manner too.

In terms of style this band range from the distinctly grunge oriented to more sophisticated features sporting post rock inspired textured instrument motifs and back to material of a gentler, southern oriented expression that adds a slight touch of country to the proceedings. But always with an emphasis on either groove-laden movements or passages with a distinct melodic presence as the key element. A blend of 80’s melodic hard rock, 90’s hair metal and grunge is perhaps the closest I can manage to come as far as comparisons go, and while quite a few songs contains details, movement and motifs with a familiar touch to them, I’m unable to pinpoint them. At least at this point in time. The main point is that just about all the tracks have a certain familiar sound hidden somewhere, which does make it far easier to enjoy them on first encounter. Which, presumably, is one of the key reasons for people expecting this band to if not go far then at least further than they are today.

Personally I think Homeless Hill have made themselves a fine album here, and one that indeed should hit home with a fairly broad audience. People with a general taste for groove-laden, melodic hard rock should find plenty to enjoy here, and in particular those who have a soft sport for bands that have incorporated elements from 90’s grunge within this particular context.

My rating: 84/100