Every so often, my coworkers will ask me what I’m listening to so attentively. Recently, I responded with “Funeral Homes,” a Melbourne, Florida based indie project. With a band name this jarring, I wasn't exactly shocked when my coworkers shot a perplexed, and even somewhat concerned, look in my direction.
But Funeral Homes isn’t looking to make music that appeals to the masses. On the contrary, in fact, each artist on Lonely Ghost Records’ label brings such diverse talent to the table that it’s nearly impossible (and feels almost wrong) to mark each act to the confines of one genre. The bands here are dedicated to moving against the grain in order to create music that is both intricate and complex. Bursting into the scene during the first half of 2019, Funeral Homes seems to fit right at home with Lonely Ghost — and that’s not solely because of their phantasmal namesakes.
It only takes a minute-long listen in to a Funeral Homes song to truly understand what they mean for the emo subculture at present, and where I am sure they will take it in the future. Funeral Homes’ carefully crafted lyrics and ethereal instrumentals prove “emo” is more than just a genre. It’s a mindful state of reflection, and a reminder that it’s OK to let your emotions take center stage. Perhaps you first became acquainted with Funeral Homes when they released their October split with Meat Jelly and Superdestroyer, Halloween 2: The Universe and You. I assure you, however, that was just the tip of the iceberg in terms of showcasing their sheer talent.
Funeral Homes’ debut album, Lavender House, to be released on December 13th, is a contemplative look at the world around them. It’s an invitation to mourn what one has lost, and also a gentle push for one to learn and grow from past mistakes. And with guest vocals by Ohio’s Superdestroyer, the record manages to infuse both light and dark imagery throughout.
Coming in at just under 30 minutes, the seven song record packs quite the emotional punch.
The first song off of the album, “Cowboy Emoji,” is my favorite. It’s a slow, introspective, and lyrically rich emo gem — providing you with a smooth listening experience from beginning to end. The song is a fond salute to the “old days,” serving an important message; even if those people whom we made memories with are no longer in our lives, it certainly doesn’t mean the memory itself is completely tarnished. Don’t get me wrong, that life lesson is a bitter pill to swallow, even for 25-year-old me. The incredibly satisfying banjo chords at the start make this song especially fitting for a cowboy. Try not to fall in love, I dare you.
This line, in particular, really tugs at your heartstrings, “Old ways / crash and burn / like old flames / that help you learn” — signifying that lost love can be an impactful learning experience, as long as you’re mature enough to let it be. The concept of fate is implied throughout, as well as the age old truth; if it’s meant to be, it will be.
“C Thru U,” the album’s second track, is titled as if it’s something Chris Farren, another native Floridian, would write. It’s shorthanded and silly, with a much deeper meaning hidden beneath the surface. “C Thru U” is a noble quest for understanding. It’s a need to be met in the middle, but one person is giving their all, while the other isn’t giving enough. It’s an unbalanced relationship, and our protagonist is left feeling vulnerable and alone. The listener is met with a much faster tempo halfway through, and the daze-like melodies feel incredibly dreamy. Echos of “I never wanted to hurt you” run in parallel to heavy drum beats and clashing cymbals. It’s as if the chaotic instrumentals are a metaphor for the unease and dissonance encompassing the protagonist’s thoughts. Poignant and powerful guitar riffs lead us out, with one final thought lingering: “I just feel so useless / and worthless / and helpless” — a solemn cry for help.
The third track, “Important,” immediately captures the listener’s attention with its frantic drum beats. Anxiety completely engulfs the opening lines, as the protagonist grapples with the realization that they have failed to put their thoughts into perspective, and doubt is all but eating them alive. They’re in denial, yet they still understand that they are on a dangerous path. Their growth is stunted, as they can’t make peace with their faults. The protagonist is standing still while they watch their person of interest blooming and flourishing. In a delightful callback to the previous track, they sing “I just can’t get through to you.” Despite the disconnect, they acknowledge the inconsistency within their own thoughts, words, and actions, “And I’ll yell discordance / and you’ll stay important.” The guitar riffs become the focal point halfway through, noting the protagonist trying to get through all of the noise going on in their head.
Midway through the album, we’re met with an authoritative and influential vocal performance by none other than Superdestroyer, who takes the reins on “DRK.” I can say with absolute certainty, when Superdestroyer is the mastermind behind a track, you know it’s going to be a completely immersive and unique listening experience — like something you’ve never heard before. The static that encompasses the track gives way to some hardcore influences in the track’s closing minutes.
Proving once again that he is a multidimensional talent, Superdestroyer shifts from screams to moans to shrieks with ease. The melancholy and mournful “stretched skin / over skeletons” line is a nod to how all of humanity is simple pretending to be something their not, like costumes trying to blend in amidst chaos and calamity. Heavy instrumentals incite panic and impending doom, where frantic yelling is juxtaposed with screaming. Essentially the perfect soundtrack to a horror film, “This life is Halloween / costumed identities” is a thought that carries us to the end.
The psychedelic energy of “Anything” manages to do a complete 180 in terms of feelings on display from the previous song and give a nod to the power of love. The protagonist sings “You make me feel / so special / because I’m the one you / feel for.” It’s that feeling of human connection we can all relate to and empathize with. Another testament to the talent of Funeral Homes, they can go from vocalizing their depressive, anxiety ridden episodes to confessing feelings of complete adoration at the drop of a hat.
The final two songs off of the album, “Oil Pastels” and “Hibiscus” superbly tie in every element of the past songs for an incredibly satisfying ending. Yet again, our protagonist yearns to feel human connection and directs their thoughts to fate with “what goes around comes around.”
I know it’s an incredibly busy time of year and your AOTY lists are near completion, but do yourselves a favor and don’t count Funeral Homes out of the race. They were a late addition to my list, as the theme of not letting fear stop you from fully feeling your emotions rang out loud and clear throughout these seven unmatched and distinctive songs.
Another absolute homerun for the Lonely Ghost crew, Funeral Homes’ Lavender House drops this Friday, December 13th.
Stream the newest single, "Important," from the album on Spotify.
