LEDGES

What is it the makes an artist or group stand out from the countless others competing for our attention at any given moment? The answer may be different for everyone, but in my mind it always comes back to where the talent in question sources their material. When musicians find way to tap into the purest of human emotion and translate that feeling into a song it’s as if you’ve witnessed the most elaborate of magic tricks. For a few minutes you are able to feel more connected to the world at large because someone, or some group, has shared an experience or moment or emotion that you have felt as well. This is the kind of art the members of Ledges aspired to create with each release, and they have certainly achieved that goal with their debut album.

Today, we are thrilled to share the exclusive premiere of Ledges’ first LP, Homecoming, with the world. The album was originally planned as an EP, but after entering the studio the band realized that the story they wanted to tell was much larger than they initially thought. They took multiple treks to Ocean Way Studios in Nashville, where producer Will Hess helped shape the sound of the new album. The result is a record that sounds polished, but not in a way that robs the music of its vulnerability. You can sense the hard work that went into each track, as well as raw emotion that inspired their creation. - Substream Magazine

LEDGES have come a long way since their days playing music in an oversized closet. Like many bands, the Ohio natives are best friends who have been performing together since high school. The trio engineered and produced their 2014 debut EP entirely on their own, but to create their 2017 debut album, LEDGES packed their bags and left for Nashville to work with producer Will Hess.

Earnest and contemplative, Homecoming is a sentimental piano pop record perfect for quiet moments of reflection or long road trips with friends. Initially meant to be an EP, the record turned into a full length once they began writing the songs, most of which touch on the immense human experiences of relationships, faith, and pain.

Although they’ve grown, LEDGES haven’t strayed too far from their roots. You can still hear their signature blend of experimental and alternative rock on the album, especially on tracks like “All Right” where they transition from twinkling synths to gritty guitars, and “Snow”, on which they pair introspective lyrics with entrancing melodies.

Curious to see what the songs look and sound like live? You're in luck—Bandsintown has the exclusive premiere of their Revelator Sound performance shot in Gahanna, Ohio. Click play below to see how the raw emotion in frontman Andy Hoffman’s voice masterfully pairs with Alex Hoffman and Matt Gregory's powerful instrumentation.

Catch the three-piece at Midpoint Music Festival in Cincinnati this Sunday, September 24, and if you can’t make it, track LEDGES on Bandsintown so you don’t miss any of their upcoming performances. - Bandsintown

I’d admittedly never heard of Ledges before this weekend—I initially planned on using their set to perch in the further-back seats of the cathedral while reviewing the notes I’d taken on other bands that had performed that night.

As the band began to burn through their 30-minute set list, though, I changed my plans and headed down to the floor level to get a closer listen.

Proud of their roots in Akron, Ohio, Ledges are a group of childhood friends who pour sweeping chord-changes into a blend of midwestern emo, shoegaze and ‘80s new-wave synthesis. Cuts like “Teenage Daydream” and “Indian Summer” felt massive in the room’s cavernous construction, tucking the audience into cozy sheets of reverb and ambient drones that left just enough space for frontman Andy Hoffman to send his massive vocal presence swooning through the air. Their sound wasn’t flashy, but the heft of its hooks won me over.
“Our new album’s called Homecoming,” Hoffman told me after the show. “It’s a concept album: a story from start to finish that follows a character who’s a mass of all of our personalities. We all wrote the record. The guy’s on a journey where he deconstructs his faith, love, doubt, loss and a little bit of redemption at the end.” - The Northerner

Akron, Ohio might seem an unlikely musical hotbed to the uninitiated, but the onetime rubber capital of the world was key in shaping the sound of Alternative Rock, giving the world DEVO and Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders. Current arena-fillers/Akronites The Black Keys were the latest reminder to the masses that Akron has an active music scene, but another powerful contender to represent the city’s current music-makers is Ledges, a very promising Indie Rock trio potentially on the verge of a big breakthrough. Though first emerging in 2014 with an EP release, Ledges underwent a reinvention of sorts over the next two years, developing not only the storyline that would become the basis for the trio’s debut full-length album, the just-released Homecoming, but also a richer, soaring sound with an alluring emotional depth and atmospheric layers that craftily incorporate elements of “Alternative” music from the ’80s into the dreamy soundscape. The band’s latest music also has a magnetic Pop pull to it that, mixed with the emotional relatability of the lyrics and vocals, could take Ledges’ music well beyond Akron’s city limits. - CityBeat Cincinnati

I first encountered Ledges at Fashion Meets Music Festival in 2015. I only heard them in passing, but I found their pleasant sound to be striking and worthy of further exploration.

Tuned Up got this further exploration via the release of their debut LP, titled “Homecoming.” Though it’s their debut, a title like Homecoming implies a lot of things that come through on the album. Longing fulfilled. Comfort. Security. Transition. Reassurance.

Stylistically Ledges falls somewhere between Thrice and Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, with some post-rock influence thrown in for good measure. Many people from Ohio will probably compare Ledges to Come Wind. Andy Hoffman’s vocals emerge with elements reminiscent of both Come Wind’s Aaron Troyer, Dustin Kensrue, and even Abandon Kansas’ Jeremy Spring.

The overarching feeling conveyed in the record is that of peace permeating a journey through many emotions. “Virginia” conveys a sense of perseverance encapsulated in a persistent groove. “Snow” is emotional and melancholy – I’m not going to be listening to this on a regular basis, but would probably stop on this track if in a particularly pensive mood. “The Ocean” is reverent in feel. A worship song for people who don’t listen to worship music. After the journey through the feels that is the aforementioned two tracks, the perfectly titled “Teenage Daydream” is a pick-me-up of sorts that explores what might happen if From Indian Lakes tried to write an arena-ready anthem.

Another highlight of the album is “Nothing to Say.” It might be worth mentioning that the album leans heavy on the latter half in terms of its strengths, but I digress. This song anchors the latter half of the record with a journey that culminates in an atmospheric guitar melody followed by haunting vocals. Me likey!

Ledges are a band that is coming into their own with a very strong debut release. There are elements on this album that suit many moods, but it isn’t the type of record you can listen to anytime. As we heard into the colder months (which feel like a dream in these unseasonably warm early fall days) I’ll be keeping this record in my back pocket to warm my heart when seasonal effective disorder settles in. - TunedUp

Built on an alternative/indie sound with a little ’80s pop thrown into the mix, Ledges‘ debut record, “Homecoming” comes out on Friday, September 1. It’s a story full of lovestruck teens and angst, following a character through “doubt, love, loss, and redemption.” At times gritty and others smooth, the album is broad and soaring, moving with gorgeous melodies and grinding synth.

Each song begins slower than expected, moving at a leisurely, unbothered pace. Tension builds throughout nearly every track in a predictable structure, culminating in a burst of sound near the end. Nonetheless, the build feels natural. Everything is poppy synth and grinding guitar with write-this-on-the-cover-of-your-notebook lyrics that embody classic high school angst – hence the album’s title. Also similarly to high school, the album begins sounding hopeful and ends bitter and sad.

“Homecoming” is saturated with ’80s-style synth and throaty vocals, oddly fitting with the vignette of a school dance. “Nights” is buzzy and glittery, like vibrant turquoise sequins, whereas “The Ocean” seems like a classic slow-dance track. Things get a little subdued with “Snow”, with its pretty piano background and lyrics like, “I’m tired of this feeling/I’m grabbing at the air right in front of me.”

One of my favorites, “New York”, comes near the end, and it feels like pulling an all-nighter. It’s heavy eyelids and heavy hearts, becoming cathartic in the middle and only slowing for a disoriented breath before intensifying one last time. It’s closely followed by “Virginia” both in chronology and preference, a slightly heavier love song that feels like tearing yourself apart. Sound dramatic? That’s high school.

Originally intended to be an EP, “Homecoming” was later extended into a full-length because the band needed more time to tell their honest story. It’s constructed with a genuine blend of alternative and ’80s pop, instead of a duplicate of bands from the decade like other popular artists – not that I dislike Bleachers, but Jack Antonoff’s influences are blatant – and although songs can tend to blur together, it’s certainly a unique sound.

Keep an eye on Akron, Ohio alternative rock band Ledges for the release of “Homecoming” this Friday! - Indientry

“Snow” is the new single from Akron, Ohio trio Ledges. Informed as much by the indie/alternative pop heard on the group’s 2014 EP The Indian Summer as it is ‘80s pop the song takes listeners on a broad, cinematic journey that’s continued across the outfit’s upcoming LP Homecoming, due out September 1. The album follows one character across stages of loss, love, redemption, and doubt.

“I was in a weird spot emotionally and processing a lot when this song was written,” frontman Andy Hoffman explains, “so the words came quickly and easily, which is rare for me. It’s about the struggle that comes from forcing the big and broad experience of God, faith, love, and relationships into our narrow internal perspective of those things. A reconciliation of sorts. Often times when things don’t fit, we have a choice to make. We can either be open to new ideas and expand our perspective, or we can be closed off and watch our worldview shatter.”

Hoffman adds that bassist Matt Gregory was especially helpful in the writing process. “Matt had a bunch of lyrics written in a notebook and as I was reading through them, the phrase ‘I’m not an artist…’ jumped out at me. The phrase fit so perfectly with the other lyrics I had been writing. In fact, they fit so well that we made Matt’s lyrics the chorus of the song. It became the conclusion to the theme I was exploring in the verses; sometimes we get frustrated when everything doesn’t fit into our perspective, but we need to realize that we can’t have it all, and we need to level with that.” - PopMatters

Ledges
Album: Homecoming
Release Date: September 1, 2017
Genre: Indie Rock
4.5/5.0

Ledges album Homecoming is a refreshing new release. If you like bands like Coldplay, The 1975 and Elbow you will really enjoy this band.

The songs on this album tell a story about faith, doubt, love, loss and redemption. The stories are set to music that is ethereal and at times in a dreamscape tone.

I found myself intently listening to each track as the album progressed and recognizing bits and pieces of familiar sounds that reminded of many artists I have appreciated over the years. At times I would catch myself thinking that vocalist Andy Hoffman sounded like a much early version of Bono when his vocals were still developing.

I can honestly say there was nothing on this album that I found to be negative. I enjoyed all 11 tracks. This was a well written album, well performed and amazingly mixed and mastered which has resulted in a beautiful album.

I would definitely suggest buying this album. I believe it’s one that you will enjoy. Homecoming is available via SoundCloud, Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, and Google Play. - Yesterdaze News

An album with a little bit of something for everyone is bound to yield success. This is no exception for Ohio indie rockers Ledges on their debut release, Homecoming. The prominent eclecticism stems from influences like The 1975, Foals, and From Indian Lakes. But don’t allow these influences wash out the band’s uniqueness. Homecoming cultivates the specific Ledges sound: relaxed guitar leads incorporated with notes of 80s synth pop (and incredibly pleasing layered vocal harmonies). Because of this, we expect to see Ledges on all your favorite playlists.

Homecoming combines reflective lyrics with upbeat instrumentation, while following a character through his or her story. If you’re the contemplative kind of person who stares out the window on long drives, let this album accompany you. The first single “All Right” is filled with doubts and uncertainties while admitting, “Can’t stop feeling like I’m drowning in a cold sweat.” We all feel stuck and lost. We question beliefs, thoughts, people, ideas, and life in general — and we’re never alone in that. “Nothing to Say” is the admittance of infatuation at first sight (rather than love at first sight). The simplistic piano melody sets the tone as the words reference the first meeting of someone, feeling overwhelmed with emotion, and believing they are the answer to your problems. It’s this raw, yet simple honesty that makes this album feel like home.

The slow, piano-driven ballad “Snow” offers a heartfelt confession, “Our love is like the seasons; we fall apart, but we will grow back again.” The atmospheric guitar riffs set a nostalgic tone, which is perfect for the changing of the weather. Front man Andy Hoffman digs a little deeper in the final track “Please Come Home.” Following the trend of the first few tracks in their doubts and questions, Hoffman admits, “I’ve tried so hard to make sense of you. The cross I cling to destroyed my youth.” This song, being a reflection of all the band’s thoughts and experiences, is the honest struggle with love and faith.

The album is an equal amount of big moments and quiet reflections. Homecoming tells a story you can either separate yourself from and just enjoy the music, or you can use it as your own source of personal introspection. Either way, you will find every track on the album to have something worthwhile to offer. The emotional, yet intricate delivery is why Ledges connects with everyone who listens to the album. - Beyond the Stage

Akron, Ohio-based rock trio Ledges have released their anthemic new song, “Nothing To Say,” taken from their debut album, Homecoming, set to be released Sept. 1. - Alternative Press

Akron, Ohio indie rock trio Ledges will release their debut album Homecoming on September 1st, but today their soaring, anthemic new single "Nothing To Say" can be heard on Spotify. Beginning with a piano melody fit for a wine bar, the track quickly launches into the indie/alternative sound the band cultivated on their 2014 debut EP The Indian Summer, while introducing a touch of 80's pop production. Homecoming is a story that follows a character on a journey through doubt, love, loss, and redemption, and "Nothing to Say" is the 3rd scene of that story.

Frontman Andy Hoffman explains "In the song, the character stumbles out of the cold into an old school cabaret bar. There he meets this beautiful girl and thinks that she's the answer to his problems, but it's just infatuation and even though he knows that to an extent, he still pursues the girl. The simple lyrics and upbeat vibe of the song are meant to represent that first moment when you meet someone and it's all superficial emotions/feelings and there's not much to actually say (hence the title of the song)."

Homecoming was originally intended to be an EP, but as the band began recording demos they realized that the story needed to be told in the form of a full-length album. Once the ideas were formed, they took multiple treks to Ocean Way Studios in Nashville, where producer Will Hess helped shape the sound of the new album. It's gritty, but smooth. Filled with big moments, but also quiet reflections. The new record proves to be a brutally honest tale and every detail is a reflection of each band member's thoughts and experiences. - Paste Magazine

Ohio based Indie-Rock band Ledges have released their debut album Homecoming today and it’s got me feeling all sentimental.

The stunning eleven track LP is beautifully honest, it’s full of those special epic moments that make us feel like we’re in a movie scene. This really feels like a special album, and the start of something awesome for Ledges! It’s an album that you can immediately connect with and fully relate to, it’s emotionally open and simply an amazing debut. With every track you can hear the amount of love and attention that has been poured into this album, it really shows. All in all it’s one that’s going to be in my recently played for the rest of year no doubt. Well done to Ledges, incredible debut.

You can listen to the album below! Please feel free to let us know what you think of the album in the comments! - Noise Flash Music

Ledges, an indie rock trio from Akron, Ohio, is all set to release their debut album on September 1st. We got the opportunity to check it out early, and are really stoked to say that it’s absolutely phenomenal! As a follow up to their 2014 debut EP The Indian Summer, Homecoming was intended to be an EP as well, however as the band continued to write and record demos, they realized that their stories needed to be told in the form of a full-length, and I couldn’t be happier about that. Every track on this album is well placed and helps to build this entrancing vibe of summers gone by.

Every track on this album is very well written and well placed among the rest, however I’ll go into detail over a few that really stuck out to me.

Nothing to say begins with a beautifully simplistic solo piano part that establishes the chord progression. Then, as the rest of the band comes in and the vocals begin to build up this piece, some heavy synth elements are added, as well as some very pretty and wonderfully harmonized “ooh”s. As the song continues to progress, the vocals continue to get more and more emphatic, almost reaching a scream. We’re then treated to a delicate and very pretty echoy guitar riff. This song was definitely one of my favorites on the album.

The track immediately following, Teenage Daydream, was another killer. Opening with a very synth heavy lead part that is present throughout the song, Teenage Daydream creates its own unique identity on the album. Overall, this track has a very peasant vibe – one that reminds me of my youth. The second chorus introduces an additional vocal line that works in tandem with the first, and this unusual technique creates a swaying atmosphere that is quite unique. Another beautiful piece on the album.

Indian Summer is the last track I’ll be writing in detail about. This song opens with some synth chords and the sound of someone seeking through radio stations. This, along with other subtle techniques (particularly the disco-like drum beat that makes an appearance at certain points) give this track an 80’s vibe. This piece has some of the prettiest guitar parts on the album, particularly the echoy palm-muted plucking that sits nicely atop the vocals. As is the theme for the rest of this album, this song is able to create a beautifully nostalgic vibe.

This album was able to create a very strong vibe, and bolster it through each and every additional song. Since this album has a very storytelling nature to it, little additions like an intro track and subtle interlude-style parts help to tie everything together and further enhance the emotions felt throughout this experience. Get pumped for this release on September 1st! - Under Air Media

Ohio indie rock trio Ledges have just released their debut album, Homecoming, the full length builds on the sound the band cultivated on their 2014 debut EP, The Indian Summer, and the album follows a singular character on a journey through doubt, love, loss, and redemption. The Homecoming album was originally intended to be an EP, but as the band began recording demos they realized that an EP wasn’t sufficient to tell the story, and it needed to be told in the form of a full length album.

A gentle introduction, that wouldn’t sound out of place on an eighties movie soundtrack, eases you into Homecoming, the majority of the album offers the kind of laid back indie feel that never really grabs you, rather it has a sound that surrounds and embraces you. There are moments on the album, such as the lead single Teenage Daydream that also carries an eighties sheen of synth, that offer more upbeat moments, but for the most part this is a distinctly languid experience. Homecoming is an album with a tale to tell, if you enjoy this kind of reflective indie experience then you may well find that Ledges have made an album that you will happily lose yourself in.

Homecoming is an album that sounds as if it’s been made to be listened to as a whole, there are no stand out singles or mesmerising moments, but it does work as a complete and coherent work. This is the kind of release that just drifts over you, whilst I personally prefer an album that grabs you and causes a rush of adrenaline there are moments when that isn’t what you need, and for those moments Ledges have produced an album that offers an enveloping and reflective experience. For me Homecoming is an album that won’t appear regularly on my playlist, but I know that when the moment is right I’ll be glad that Homecoming is resting gently in my collection. - The Punk Site

Akron, Ohio indie rock trio Ledges will release their debut album Homecoming on September 1st, but their soaring, anthemic new single “Nothing To Say” is now available to listen to.


A strong 80s pop style effectively drives Ledges along with jazz-pop and post-punk art-rock flourishes. - The Power of Pop

A number of aspects of “Teenage Daydream” can be characterized as creatively dynamic. The song from LEDGES begins synth-heavy, but the instrumental bridge starting around 2:50 is “organic” piano. The tempo is varied and the percussion uses a range of approaches, including a one-time use of a school alarm at 2:20 and drumstick-to-metallic drum rim.
The characterization is most appropriate when referring to the vocalization. “Teenage Daydream” takes vocal residence in a relaxed, melodic neighborhood, but makes visits to the falsetto range. Then, toward the end of the song, there is a strained-yet-pleasing lyrical yell. “Teenage Daydream” even adds vocal layering to the arrangement. In the lyrics pasted at the bottom of this post, italics represent the lyrics that are sung simultaneously with the lead vocals, but at a lower layer.

LEDGES is based in Akron, Ohio. The members are Andy Hoffman (vocals, guitar), John Merkel (guitar), Alex Hoffman (keys, percussion), Will Hess (percussion), and Matt Gregory (bass, vocals). The band is preparing to release a full length album entitled “Homecoming,” which includes “Teenage Daydream.” The album was recorded at Oceanway Studios in Nashville, Tennessee, and was engineered by Ryan Yount with assistance from Will Hess, who also acted as producer on the album. - Indie Obsessive

In the lead up to their forthcoming album, Homecoming, Akron-based outfit LEDGES have taken giant leaps forward sonically as a reflection of the journey been on together in the past seven years. They’ve now released the first single titled Teenage Daydream.

Melding their indie-rock roots with 80’s synths, Teenage Daydream is a dynamic soundscape with frontman Andy Hoffman’s sincere vocals and wondrous harmonies. A bed of the aforementioned synths glimmer beneath guitars that swell and soar into a full orbital bloom. Like when your skin blended into one. Lips wrapped around your neck. Fingers and toes twisted. Humid nights of limbs contorted with teenage love turns into desperate mornings where the canines of your young naivety stretched itself across your throat. You carried the curse and the noose. Disenchanted and tight. You fed yourself through again and again as you called their names. Like a beggar. Like an affliction. Like a fool. Now you awake with blood in your mouth and vultures eating the dirt under your toenails. It’s a new season though. Maybe this time you’ll drop the ravenous noose.

LEDGES is a lot lighter than that, so just listen to Teenage Daydream below. - Phil - Ohestee

This instrumental is intriguing in every way! Feel good vibes! - Drunken Coconut

POST-VACAY TUNES FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT [SINGLE REVIEWS]
Judah and the Lion – “Going to Mars”: If ever it were possible for a folky band to sound spacey, Judah and the Lion have mastered it. You probably already know about the genre fusion this Nashville group has become so adept at pulling, but the release of “Going to Mars” proves why they deserve a slot on the latest iteration of Twenty One Pilots’ Emotional Roadshow tour. I fully expect a Tyler Joseph guest spot on their next record. Also, the song seems to build upon a foundation that Imagine Dragons laid – but expounds upon it more creatively than they might. Just a hunch, though.



Mister Moon – “Peer”: Allow us to bring to your attention a new project from north central Ohio, though. Mister Moon brings to the table a brand of dark dreamy pop rock with an ever so slight tinge of angst injected into the tunes. This is especially true in the band’s most recent single, titled “Peer.” It’s the sort of sound that would be suited for a dark venue late at night. Who is Mister Moon anyway? The project seems to thrive under a more ambiguous persona, and the mystery adds an aura to the song as assertive as the bass grooves that march on in “Peer.” I enjoy the fact that Mister Moon is taking on elements of various trends on the fringe of alternative pop music, yet chooses to create their own celestial path that is paradoxically minimalist and lush.


Ledges – “Teenage Daydream”: Many, many bands are chasing after an ambient pop sound that is accessible to the top 40 audience. It’s a trendy sound, and hitting on a song that is not only catchy but distinct and memorable is quickly becoming a more elusive goal. Ledges have shown that they are up to the challenge with the release of “Teenage Daydream”, which has a soaring chorus and is just vibe-y enough to make them stand out from the crowd of Walk the Moon imitators. This band isn’t imitating anyone. - Ryan Getz

"...This was my second year catching Ledges from Akron, who brought their vibey brand of indie rock to the Donatos Stage early on Saturday. I was more actively engaged in their set this year than last year, and was stoked to see the growth and that my passing favorable impression of them last year was more than confirmed in a setting where they had more of a spotlight (they opened the fashion tent stage last year)...." - Ryan Getz

Somber and wholesome, the tones of Akron, Ohio-based band, Ledges, were one of the first to drift through the air early Saturday afternoon at the Fashion Meets Music Festival. Dreamy electric guitar and soothing vocals radiated from the stage in the fashion tent and made us sway.

As the set came to an end, the anxious anticipation of our first Ella-Mode interview sent my heart rate up to the sky. The voice recorder on my Iphone started, the first question dropped, and I was immediately welcomed by the genuinely warm energy of the members of Ledges, including lead guitarist John, drummer Will, bassist/keyboardist Matt, and guitarist/lead vocalist Andy.

This tightly knit group got its start on the house show scene of Akron, playing their first show at a dwelling titled “The Musica”. Although divided during the school year, they spend their breaks playing venues in Lakewood and Cleveland, collaboratively writing, and recording in one of their basements.

“Somebody brings an idea, and we all build upon it,” says Andy. “It usually ends up being totally different than what we thought it’d be, but it ends up being cool.”

What’s in the works? The band says a five-or-so song EP, three of which they played on their set, is hopefully being released in the near future. It’s said to have a sound influenced by 80s synths, so it should be groovy. - Ella Zurawski

LEDGES is an infectious rock trio based out of Akron, Ohio. Stylistically, the group blends elements of 80s dance with an alt-rock foundation. Throw in traces of post-hardcore and cinematic song structures and the end result is equal parts compelling and hard to classify.

“Homecoming” is the band’s first proper album (as a follow-up to 2014’s “Indian Summer” EP), and it’s an ambitious and satisfying release with a diverse set of songs. Tracks like Indian Summer and Teenage Daydream have a stronger pop sensibility (due in no small part to the use of synthesizers), while New York shows a heavier side of the band with its almost-screamed, gritty chorus that is beautifully raw. Nonetheless, the album still feels cohesive; there’s an overarching lyrical concept of shattered relationships and the search for redemption in the midst of that pain.

One of the band’s most apparent strengths is their ability to mix in piano parts without sacrificing bravado. Homecoming’s tracks are more akin to the late Gracer or perhaps Attalus to some degree; you won’t find any Copeland or Coldplay comparisons here.

Intro kicks things off with a brief instrumental involving an arpeggiated synth line that definitely suits the album cover; there’s a slow dance vibe present, though the it’s over pretty quickly and momentum shifts into “All Right”, which in many ways ties closely to “Please Come Home” to bookend the album. It takes only a few seconds before the song kicks into full gear: groovy bass, catchy riffs, and passionate vocals are all in attendance.

Nights is a hazy track that continues the energy of its predecessor, this time adding in more reverb and synths which weave together a powerful ambiance. It’s one of the most progressive tracks on the album, with segments that borrow from shoegaze, jazz, and electronic.

Nothing to Say is the first track where piano is front and center. Overall, it’s an upbeat, somewhat nostalgic, track which borrows from classic rock. While the vocal verse pattern does vaguely remind me of Ventura Highway, the overall composition is assuredly much different. The album feels partitioned in such a way that tracks with similar styles are grouped together, and the middle of the album is full of the dancier, upbeat tracks.

Teenage Daydream was one of the band’s singles, and it’s no mystery why. While it’s not my favorite track by any measure, Killers-esque synth lines, a falsetto chorus, and a more straightforward song structure definitely make this track fairly accessible. The bridge tones things down a bit, resorting to a simple piano base before quickly building back up to a cinematic close.

The Ocean is another track that feels like an instant hit; it’s a strong ballad that evokes some CCM comparisons. Corey Kilgannon’s guest vocals are a welcome addition; his baritone adds some great variety to the song and strangely adds to the song’s propensity for mass appeal. All things considered, The Ocean is definitely a poppy track but it embraces its identity well.

“Our love is like the seasons. We fall apart but we will grow back,” vocalist Andy Hoffman laments on Snow. The easiest way I could describe the track is to relate it to Author’s discography: there’s a post-rock vibe paired with a fair amount of intensity and technicality that makes for a pretty interesting listening experience.

While Snow showcases the somber sides of LEDGES, Indian Summer is a highlight track which returns us to the high energy and dance vibes seen only a few tracks earlier. The mix of 80’s influences with a strong alternative foundation warrant few comparisons, save Paramore’s After Laughter. Despite the song’s positive facade, lyrics continue to address relational brokenness and hints of anger.

Despite the changing mood of the songs, Homecoming doesn’t falter. With that said, the last several tracks of the album truly are my favorite. New York is explosive, pairing some of the lightest and heaviest elements on the album. The chorus is incredible and the outro is fantastic. It would be easy to overlook that Virginia is shorter than two and a half minutes long with the amount of ground it covers. Much like New York, it has a great emotional build. Please Come Home caps off the album, tying the lyrical narrative together: the protagonist has resorted to seeking pleasure in drugs and alcohol but realizes his need for redemption.

Simply put, “Homecoming” is a powerful album with a huge feeling to it. It’s part arena rock, part indie, part ballad, and part pop, though all of these descriptions feel lacking in and of themselves. Though the songs are diverse, they never feel out of place – and the lyrical narrative only strengthens this unity. I’ve always appreciated groups who take risks and LEDGES certainly hasn’t played it safe here. While there’s a definite pop sensibility on many of the tracks, there’s also an obvious respect for the medium itself, making “Homecoming” an album capable of appealing to the masses and enthusiasts alike.

For fans of: Author, Motherfolk, From Indian Lakes, U2 - Indie Vision Music

5. Ledges - Homecoming
"These Akron indie rockers recorded their album at Nashville's Ocean Way Studios. The album of polished, catchy songs follows the story of a character at the crossroads in life. Check out the track Snow." - WKSU 89.7 (Kent npr affiliate)

CLEVELAND, Ohio - If you're looking for the latest tunes to come out of Cleveland, you're in the right place.

Each month, we compile some of the newest music in Northeast Ohio into a 30-song Spotify playlist. This month, that playlist includes a funky new song by The CLEctive, an 80s pop-inspired jam by LEDGES and an electronic dance anthem by MIMO.

The two-hour-long playlist includes songs from the past few years, and also a few new releases from 2018.

Check out the playlist below, and be sure to follow cleveland.com on Spotify for more music every month. - Cleveland.com