Los Angeles outfit The Homie’s self-description of debut song ‘Too Late’ as a “raw teen melodrama of epic proportion” is not to be underestimated. The angsty lyrics alone fit into that profile, but it’s the pluralism of sounds served up by Cole MGN and J Nadya that really sum up what this project is all about. They pour in retrospective vibes of reggae, ska, R&B, ‘90s pop and even a smattering of ‘80s synth-pop (i.e. The Bangles) like a teenager exploring music history through a bargain bin collection of records in their bedroom. However, with the Internet and a deluge of digital tools just a few feet away, The Homie can’t resist the current offering of fresh, largely electronic styles. As reflected in ‘Too Late’, the musicians apply effects to the vocals, endorse high-quality production and punctuate the track with digitalised whines and bleeps. It demonstrates a young generation who have infinite access to music and need not be restrained by local culture or parental influence. That being said, hormones are an immovable life hurdle, hence the overly dramatic proclamation “it’s too late, baby / I wanna die.” - HT