78 From Home - 78 FromHome

Wed 30th Aug, 2006 in Music Reviews

The media release that accompanied the self-titled debut album from 78 From Home read, in part: “When a band has three guitarists … you know they don’t do things by halves.  This is a band who embrace the whole rock n roll lifestyle: the attitude, the chicks, the rider, and the pants that would be inappropriate in any other occupation.

The cover art for the album similarly gives the impression of some impressive rock, with the authentic look of something dirty and ballsy.  Then came the opening screams of album opener, “The Real World”, which gave a real sense of urgency and energy from the band.  It felt like it was straight out of a 1980s Bon Jovi album.  This song was practically wearing leather pants.  This album looked to be the real deal.  Look out Australia.  But wait.

Section 52 of the Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cwlth) and the equivalent sections of the State Fair Trading Acts provide that: A person “shall not, in trade or commerce, engage in conduct that is misleading or deceptive or is likely to mislead or deceive”.  I only draw attention to these provisions because 78 From Home are not what they initially seem to be.

The powerful, edgy rock moments on 78 From Home are not the norm.  As one progresses through this album, one begins to realise that the band is more in the pop/rock category, closer to pop than rock with its melody driven tunes and often delicate delivery.  While “The Real World” and “”Brand New Day” ooze attitude, thumping drums, pulsating guitars and killer choruses, the rest of 78 From Home is a more quiet, emotional affair.

“Brother In” begins quietly with a single acoustic guitar and stories of peaceful places and lands of mystery.  The engaging and sympathetic lyrics are balanced by the edgier chorus, however, the jarring guitars don’t mask the softer themes of the song as front man, Antoni “Tone” Polimeni, sings “Brother you should slow down / then we could reach the sky together / and we’d live here forever”.  In a similar vein, “On My Mind” sees Tone pushing his vocal limits with a love song challenging the boundaries of epic proportions.  What makes this song so accessible is that it is a man’s love song.  It is one that a man is much more likely to profess he likes – or even sing along to at karaoke – than, say, Celine Dion’s “Power of Love”.  It’s a man’s love song.  Heartfelt, but with guitars; that makes it okay.  Sing along to it with gusto, boys.

Some other notable tracks are “I Wanna Know”, which has hit the radio airwaves and was a free sample on iTunes a few months back, and “Yesterday”, which manages to successfully tread the line between commercial pop and credibility.  On “Dancing Girl”, 78 From Home deliver a ballad flowing with intense passion.  Tone literally sings his heart out on this song, with this pained delivery giving the tune that extra dimension.  Depending on one’s mood at the time, this comes close to being the album’s highlight.

Finally, “Turn Your Head” is reminiscent of bands gone by such as Fuel, Train and Lifehouse.  Not everyone’s cup of tea, but there’s no denying that each band was able to offer something of substance at least once in their careers.  Treat this song as 78 From Home’s party trick.

With “Pretty People”, one is given a nice, quiet closer to the album.  It is a warm and inviting tune.  The calm and tranquil finish is the exact opposite of what one would have expected from this album based on first impressions.

There’s no doubt that 78 From Home will find an audience.  This album is consistent and assured.  There is no denying a good tune and an ability to engage the listener through strong lyrics.  There’s no denying tight pants.  But 78 From Home will not be to everyone’s liking.  Don’t judge a book by its cover.  That’s the disclaimer.  Case dismissed.