Russell Joslin – This is My Home (2022)
While the tourism sector creates jobs for many people, there is a darker side that is being put under the microscope by Russell Joslin. Through his single ‘This is My Home’, he unleashes a scathing letter to wealthy holidaymakers who use poorer communities for their vocational pleasure. Setting his sights on the industry that has turned locations known for their authenticity into sterile holiday traps, he uses a cacophony of sound to pulse his rebuke into our veins.
Inspired by his own holiday experience, this raucous post-punk blast will have you getting down to his sound, while leaving a lot on your mind. As part of his new project, Joslin continues to depart from the stripped-back acoustic tones of his previous releases. Tearing down musical barriers, he is using a slightly experimental blend of styles and genres to get his musical message across.
The drum that slaps ‘This Is My Home’ open, hits you in the centre of your back, causing you to tumble into the infectious jangle of the guitar. There is an unstoppable groove to the movement of the melody through the opening verse that instantly hooks you to the sound. The energy of the music sinks into your muscles getting them swaying and moving to the rhythm, before a burst of post-punk comes through. This crash of sound fills the undertones of the melody with a cacophony of drums that takes the groovy vibes to another level. It is a perfectly balanced melody that has taken elements from post-punk, folk and rock, fused them together and created the catchiest possible melody from them. At times, the music pulses an emphasis for the vocals, giving them some extra power as they hit home. In the latter sections of the melody, the instruments all rise together for a raucous call before the abrupt ending.
Through all of this, Joslin’s vocals grab your hand and twirl you into the movement of the music. There is an analytical edge to the lyrics that starts to drive the true message of the track home. Joslin really highlights his songwriting skills with this track as the lyrics swing from one perspective to another, offering up both sides of the tale. The harmonies that rise from the depths add a richness to the performance, while causing a starkness to his performance. This is fantastic as it causes a stab into the chest as the meaning of the single is driven directly into your heart. The crescendo of his vocals is stunning and is like an angered, yet weary, shout.
With an infectious touch, Russell Joslin sets his sights on the tourism industry, while driving a heavy message home through the perfectly balanced grooves of ‘This Is My Home’. Through the melody, he has picked up the best elements of multiple genres and styles, only to weave them together for an infectious movement. His vocals grab hold of your senses as he swings perspectives and drives the message of the track into your heart.
Find out more about Russell Joslin on his website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
