Review
CAVES – HOMEWARD BOUND
(Specialist Subjects Records)
Words: Richard Heaven
I’ve always liked Bristol so it’s no surprise that I like Caves, the latest in a long line of hardworking bands which fly the flag for how pop punk should sound hailing from the waterside city.
Those who are familiar with Caves debut 7″ and their split 10″ can rest easy in the knowledge that Homeward Bound is no large departure from these two fine releases. Sounding like 2 parts Lemuria mixed with 1 part Ten Speed Bicycle, Caves stay loyal to their live sound with raw vocals and a fairly low fi production.
Tracks like The Mess I Made and Bows And Arrows are destined to become live favourites with enough hooks that anybody could sing along. Water Wings and Bad Weather showcases their more sensitive side, reminding me more of Lou’s occasional solo sets then Caves. Talking of Lou, her vocals may occasionally grate a little but they suit the basic, scrappy pop punk of Caves so it isn’t a big enough issue to detract from the record.
Homeward Bound should see the Bristol three piece step out of the cave and into the light – hopefully this will get the recognition it deserves and push them onto bigger and better things.
