Capital, Homefront
Long Island’s Capital have a refreshing, honest take on hardcore — mixing melodic grooves with punk work ethic and post hardcore tendencies. Their latest album, Homefront sounds like a mixture of several modern bands (some expired, others still holding strong) like Faded Grey, Ensign, Strike Anywhere and Quicksand.
Never sticking to one style for too long, Capital shift tempos smoothly from song to song, often integrating a bit more aggression in their delivery when needed — never over doing it just because they can. Tommy Corrigan’s vocals are built on a hardcore base, but easily reach into the post hardcore melodic bag for some truly catchy choruses and varied delivery. Guitarists Rob McAllister and Joey Saccente provide slick leads and crushing riffs while Chris Nolte on drums and Duncan MacDougal on bass set the stage with their infectious rhythms.
As I did with Faded Grey’s A Quiet Time of Desperation, I have a feeling that I will be playing Capital’s Homefront constantly for the next couple of months. Infectious melodies blended with restrained aggression and socially conscious lyrics make this one of those albums that just sticks with you for a good while.
Flood Gates
“Flood Gates” opens up the album with a bit of reverb and creative drumming. The first riff we hear is pretty damned catchy as a thundering bass line kicks in. This one has a bit of a Zombie Apocalypse feel to it due to the multiple vocal attack. It’s aggressive and punk fueled.
Live Dammit live
After one hell of an opening track, Capital keep up the momentum with ‘Live Dammit Live.” This one is a bit slower paced but no less in your face. You’ll be shouting with the band in zero seconds flat.
Crossroads
Quite simply, this is one kick-ass song. Mixing elements of Faded Grey and Strike Anywhere, the band has created a masterpiece with this song. A more of a post hardcore feel dominates “Crossroads.” So far we’ve heard a few different styles in just the first three songs — and there’s still more to come.
Procrastination
“Procrastination” showcases Corrigan’s creativity with his vocal delivery, mixing shouts and screams with somewhat spoken lyrics. So far, I’m hooked. The chorus is powerful and catchy.
Rubberface
Commenting plastic surgery as a frivolous act for idiots, the band erupts in an aggressive demonstration of their more straightforward delivery.
Dead Children
The opening riff on this one is catchy as hell as Corrigan mixes up his vocals a bit more, adding some wails and different shouts. Capital waste no time on superfluous filler on any of their tracks. I like that in a band. Deliver the message as straight to the face as you can without any additional noise.
On A Mission
Speaking on his love of the music he plays, Corrigan tells a story of his youthful excitement of buying albums back in the day. It’s an honesty rarely heard in bands these days and is quite refreshing.
Disclaimer
Man, the lyrics these guys are delivering are brutally honest. As heard on “On A Mission,” the lyrics behind this next track relate to breaking from the mold of family trends and beliefs no matter what the consequences. Again, Corrigan shares his own history like he wears his heart on his sleeve. As far as the music goes, I love the opening punk inspired guitar work.
Mosh Parts
I can seriously say that after listening to many, many albums the past couple of years, I’m nearly in agreement with Capital on this one. Huge breakdowns just for the sake of it get old after a while. In total contrast, the band take a complete different direction on this post-hardcore styled song. I love the catchy, melodic chorus. The complete in your face punk attitude on this one is just beyond classic. You’ll be shouting the last few lines of this song at the top of your lungs in no time flat.
Gold Coast
After what was probably my favorite track on the album, “Gold Coast” takes a more serious tone. Mid tempo drumming and riffs accompany lyrics that are deliberate and range from nearly cleanly sung to gruff shouts.
250 32nd
A thick punk inspired bass line and driving guitar match the pace set by rapid drumming. This one is simple, in your face hard core in less than 50 seconds.
Oakdale Merge
Living life paycheck to paycheck sucks. Most of us have been there and Capital tell their story with “Oakdale Merge.” There’s some nice bit of creative guitar work throughout this one.
Homefront
The title track is also the last on the album. After “Oakdale Merge” has faded to silence, this one starts off with some great guitar work and infectious drumming. It’s got that Strike Anywhere feel to it that makes it contagious and enjoyable as hell.
~ ~ ~
For an album that was recorded in a kindergarten in Freeport, Long Island, Capital’s Homefront is simple, honest, powerful hardcore with a few influences from punk and post-hardcore thrown in for good measure. If you really get into bands that tell it like it is and share their own experiences as simply as they can, then this sophomore release from Capital is for you.
Favorite Tracks:
Every damn one
Additional Notes:
n/a