The song ‘Coming Home’ by The Real Anthem has a sound which seems expansive yet never loses its emotional core. It draws on alternative rock, post-punk, post-rock and shoegaze, the guitars taking on the main role. The guitar work by Andy Mitchell provides the song with a solid base, whereas the changes played by Matt King contribute more atmosphere and depth. The vocals are placed above these thick layers and have a soaring quality, which is what gives the song its large-scale character. The production comes across as spacious and carefully put together rather than being crowded. It’s clear that a great deal of thought has been given to the arrangement. The band also leave sufficient space for the melodies to be heard. The tempo has a steady, driving character instead of rushing ahead. This suits the overall mood. There is a feeling of anticipation in the music, and this is followed by a greater emotional release when the chorus comes in. The main chorus melody was worked out after listening repeatedly to the instrumental and it fits in naturally with the ideas in Mitchell’s verse and bridge. The result is a song that has an atmospheric, melodic and memorable quality.
The song adds a further dimension to “Coming Home”. At first sight it is about going back to one’s home and in search of something significant, while there are also indications of broader events and the unsettled condition of the world. By using a cut-up technique the lyrics combine various ideas and phrases in order to produce an emotional effect rather than explaining everything in detail. This means that the lyrics allow for a personal interpretation and you may understand the idea of coming home in a physical, emotional or even a spiritual way. A particularly interesting aspect of the narrative is that Matt King perceived the song as being something which could apply to veterans coming back from war. This link is meaningful since the singer has a personal family connection to the consequences of war through his father’s service in Vietnam. The song does not have to make any direct political comment; its strength lies in leaving room for the listener to consider what home means following tough experiences. It is in the chorus that this feeling is most powerful, since after the darker and more reflective thoughts expressed in the verses the vocal melody provides the song with a clear emotional focus.
The aspect of “Coming Home” that I appreciate most is that it isn’t stuck within a single meaning; it can be interpreted as a song about soldiers coming back from a conflict, or it might be seen as a song concerning anyone who is trying to reestablish contact with something familiar after having been altered by life experiences. This is what gives the song such enduring emotional impact. The guitars give the track a powerful impression, whereas the vocals and the melody ensure it remains human. I can easily imagine that this kind of song would appeal to people who like alternative rock with darker tones, a shoegaze-like atmosphere, and strong melodic hooks. Those who are fans of post-rock and post-punk might also enjoy the way the song develops its mood without depending on overly intricate arrangements. The fact that the recording was done across two states—between Arizona and California—also reflects the collaborative character of the project. Each person seems to have contributed something significant to the final recording. “Coming Home” has a personal feel without becoming isolated, and it achieves an epic quality without becoming excessive. It ends by posing a quiet question regarding what it actually means to go home, and that is a very effective way for a song to conclude.
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