Is there some sort of advantage in hailing from rural Alberta? For
this Toronto-based trio, it appears it could be the freedom to sop up
an inordinate number of influences. Seeing wider release via Saddle
Creek after its online-only release last year, Hometowns singer
Nils Edenloff (the only band member actually from Alberta) is quite the
mimic. The disadvantage is that they lack their own identity. There’s
still a lot to like here. The band’s most obvious touchstone is Neutral
Milk Hotel, as Edenloff sometimes channels the vocal spirit of Jeff
Mangum in an almost disquieting way on tracks like “Rush Apart.” The
band has plenty of energy, and drummer Paul Banwatt takes centerstage
on album highlight “The Dethbridge in Lethbridge.” Elsewhere, the band
wears their influences in a too-obvious manner: a little Rosebuds on
“Frank, AB,” some Clap Your Hands Say Yeah on “Edmonton” and the
aforementioned NMH all over the place. There is potential here; don’t
forget the Decemberists were also once cast as NMH wannabes. Perhaps
once the band explores the world past its Hometowns, they’ll
find their own sound. — Chris Drabick
This article appears in Jul 8-14, 2009.
