‘Homogenic’: The Album That Restored Josh Homme’s Faith in Modern Music

Josh Homme’s music, regardless of the band or era, reflects his unwavering dedication to the essence of rock. His sound is built on robust riffs, dynamic rhythms, compelling choruses, and relentless energy. While it pays homage to the rock legends of the past, Homme’s music consistently pushes the envelope, offering a fresh perspective.
During his time with Kyuss, Homme often spoke of punk music as a driving force behind his creative journey. One of the bands that left a profound impact on him was Black Flag. Their unique approach to sound inspired Homme and his contemporaries to cultivate originality in their music.
“One of the things about SST bands is that each one sounded completely different, and that really permeated our scene,” Homme explained. “If you sounded like any other band in town – or any other town – you were ridiculed. It became a hellbent search for originality. I loved Black Flag’s Jealous Again and Damaged, but it was My War that really summarized Kyuss’ approach to punk.”
This relentless pursuit of authenticity often creates a divide among rock and punk enthusiasts regarding modern music. Many purists criticize contemporary music for being overly complex or overly polished. While this complexity doesn’t diminish the technical prowess required to create such music, it sometimes alienates listeners.
Rock history has its share of intricate compositions. Take Led Zeppelin’s Black Dog, for instance—a track so layered and rhythmically unique that it sparked rumors of being intentionally designed to be uncopiable. Bassist John Paul Jones, the creative force behind the song, clarified the misconception:
“I actually wrote it in rehearsal from Jimmy’s house on the train,” Jones shared. “My dad was a musician, and he showed me a way of writing down notation on anything. So I wrote the riff to Black Dog on the back of a train ticket, which I unfortunately don’t have anymore.”
While technology and diverse influences have made modern music increasingly multifaceted, the results aren’t always alienating. Some artists embrace these tools to craft innovative and groundbreaking sounds. One such artist is Björk, whose album Homogenic stands as a masterpiece of modern music.
Homme has been vocal about his admiration for Björk’s ability to transcend conventions. Speaking of Homogenic, he praised its innovative approach:
“All her records are so groundbreaking,” he said. “They’re like a reassurance to me that modern music is about delivery: you can have a 52-piece orchestra, a guy playing champagne glasses, and someone rubbing a balloon—and if you do it right, it’s amazing.”
Björk’s Homogenic exemplifies how technology and unconventional methods can elevate music rather than detract from its accessibility. By seamlessly blending orchestral arrangements with electronic elements, Björk created an album that continues to inspire musicians like Homme, proving that originality and artistry remain alive and well in modern music.
Responses