It was once written, by a heavily bearded, salt-encrusted American writer, “Whenever I find myself growing grim about the mouth; whenever it is a damp, drizzly November in my soul…then, I account it high time to get to sea as soon as I can.” I knew what he meant, minus the fact that I’ve never been on an international oceanic voyage. But, I do feel as though I now know exactly what he meant, because of Du Blonde (aka Beth Jeans Houghton)’s new album Homecoming. Whenever I find myself growing grim about the mouth I listen to a rock album. The grungey, thumping energy of this album, the quick-moving basslines and animated vocals on this record have, finally (finally!) rid my soul of the drizzle, damp and mould of November and ushered in a lovely new feeling – what is that called again, hope? 

There are tons of great albums, of course, but not all have the healing powers that lie in Du Blonde’s. Sometimes what listeners need is an album that reminds us of why we loved music in the first place, one that (cliché or not) makes us feel like teenagers again. Homecoming made me feel excited about listening to new music again, as opposed to burying my head in the reliable security blanket of old, beloved records from my past. 

Short, addictive tracks betray the talented creative mind to be appreciated, supplemented with impressive collaborations that show this album was many things in the making, including a passion project and what seems like a great deal of fun to make. That’s, right, fun! I’d almost forgotten, that’s why I began loving music in the slightly obsessive manner around which I’ve built my career – to join in on the fun.