The second EP ‘Homegrown’ by the four young college lads, Florentenes, is a striking showcase of youthful bravado and musical maturity, punching well above its weight with a sound that feels both raw and polished. Tracks like “The Gun” and “Miss Understands” are standout examples of their ability to fuse rowdy indie swagger with infectious, larger-than-life melodies. These songs brim with the kind of reckless energy that thrives in sweaty, packed club gigs, where the band’s mates are screaming along, pints in hand. Yet, there’s a universal appeal woven into their hooks and driving rhythms that makes them equally suited for the sprawling fields of UK summer festivals—think Reading, Leeds, or Glastonbury’s smaller stages—where casual punters might stumble upon their set and find themselves hooked.
What makes Homegrown so compelling is its balance of gritty authenticity and ambitious songcraft. The band channels the scrappy charm of early Arctic Monkeys or The Libertines, but with a knack for melody that feels ready to leap from sticky-floored venues to radio airwaves. “The Gun” roars with sharp riffs and a pulsating rhythm section, its lyrics dripping with cheeky defiance, while “Miss Understands” leans into a more anthemic vibe, its soaring chorus practically begging for a sea of festival-goers to sing it back. These tracks don’t just capture the chaos of youth; they elevate it into something anthemic, relatable, and endlessly replayable.
For a band still juggling college life, the Florentenes display staggering confidence. They’re not just writing anthems for their immediate crew; they’re crafting songs that resonate with indie diehards and curious newcomers alike. Homegrown feels like a band teetering on the edge of something bigger—deeply tied to their DIY roots but ready for larger stages. If they maintain this momentum, The Floretenes could soon be commanding the very festivals they’re currently charming one punter at a time.
In a recent interview with TotalNtertainment, the lads chatted about how guitar bands are still as important as ever and, coming from the game-changing Manchester indie scene, painted a picture of an exciting scene of new bands. “Homegrown” is the confident sound of a band who know their roots, are proud of their influences but having taken all of that, put their own cocky teenage twist on it.
Having grown up watching indie bands like Arctic Monkeys and The Kooks become household names, Florentenes have lofty goals in their sights but, listening to “Homegrown”, they have every right to aim high. As a statement from the band, “Homegrown” is another great step in the right direction and another stepping stone to the Mancunian mates becoming a force to be reckoned with in the UK indie scene.
For more information on the band, or to pick up the EP, head over to their Official Website here.
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