Home Advantage – Cadet

Cadet, the debut from North London band Home Advantage is a 6 track EP aiming to put the band on the pop punk map. The band, together since 2011, have crafted a nice little debut here, mixing traditional punk and metal musical elements with soaring vocals and melodies galore.

Short Termism combines stuttered riffing with a wall of sound with clean vocals and harmonies to produce a stunning opening track. Youth Theatre speeds the guitar thrashing up at least 3 notches, wandering into early Lagwagon or even Guns ‘n Wankers territory, with flawless vocals from Ross Schroff again here.

Markers from Home is slightly disappointing, but only in the context of its placement here, if it was up first I’d likely be gushing over it, but it just doesn’t offer the same tasty cocktail as the first 2 tracks. Ropeswing initially seems to continue this disappointing trend with a low key opening before roaring to life in aPropaghandi-esque way. (The Sands of) San Lorenzo really gets things back on track again with its plethora of ‘Whoa-ohs’ throughout and some really impressive guitar work.

Cadet is wrapped up with the swirling guitars and desperate vocals of Barriers, which although is not outstanding is still a nice way to finish off this fine debut. Lyrical themes are of the fairly predictable variety, however any flaws here are more than made up in the delivery. Overall a fine debut effort, and a welcome addition to the emo / pop punk scene.