We know that Home and Abroad was a group created in 1986 as a due formed by Darrell Mitchel (guitar and voice) and Barry Light (drums). One year later, Ian Norrington (bass) will join the group, with the final incorporation of George Whitfield ( drums). As soon as the group had been constituted, they took part in the british Indie circuit, thanks to this fact, they got enough money to publish Alison (Please, Dont fall) 7 ( Zebra Records), the typical theme with a marked rhythm, the guitar sounds strongly and this fact together with the contagious choirs are the best decisions in this song. Feel the Floor Move has a darker beginning, It results to be less obvious, with British Pop (but not Indie) influences of the middle of the 80s.
Later, the group will record a flexi for Lovely Records, this record is shared with the marvellous The Rileys, including the theme Big Red Bus, other example of inspired euphoria with the style of the well known Alison. From that moment, there will be a succession of themes in the typical compilation tapes in that period, so, Home and Abroad will take part in some of the best editions in this format, as Audacious, You Can't Be Loved Forever Vol.2. or Honey at the Core.
Thanks to their 7 Alison and a large number of themes which were included in tapes or in the Waaaaaaah! CD, the label from Bembibre, Elefant Records, enters into relation with Home and Abroad, and, in 1991 this label publishes the tape Waiting for the Backlash, brilliant compilation of most themes produced by the group, who have deserved to receive an edition in a better format. The tape includes 13 wonderful themes which represent the double side in their style, for one hand, the quite section, which is represented by classic themes as Frame by Frame, Smoky Town or Its Alright and the electric side is represented in pieces as Alison, Christopher or the instrumental Waiting for the Blacklash which entitles the tape.
The Same year, Elefant begins the publication of vinyl with Smoky Town, the second 7 of Home and Abroad. The record includes three of the best themes in the newly-made tape. And, together with the main theme, with a more intimate style, It will appear Miserable Life and Christopher. The record has a beautiful design which will be re-released in some other colour later, undoubtedly, its one of the most perfect records in the first steps of Elefant.
From that moment, the dry seasons came, just in the moment that the group was more inspired, and, when they could have entertained us with several 7 full of songs. Silent came and the group disappeared without giving more news of activity until two years after, when their last record, the 7 titled Kennedy came to light, again with Elefant. In spite of being a good record, It has not the same level as the last publications. It seems that the group has matured, guitars are replaced in a more serious atmosphere. Only Ambition, the last song in the record, is comparable with the first period songs without overshadowing. Despite this fact, Its an interesting record.
Unfortunately, maturity seems to have affected them, and, after publishing their second record in Elefant, the group will take part in a 7 compilation in the new label Somersault, again with The Rileys and the young Acid House Kings, It will be the last sign of life of the group, then, they will disappear without having given us a Lp with the quality that their songs had deserved.
The Lyrics please!!!
botonazul 3 months ago
Oh, how I loved Home and Abroad! Wish I could hear more! Such fond memories of Reading :0)
purplepixiedoll 5 months ago
Theres also a video made for Kennedy at our youtube page
Japeeza 1 year ago
Thanks so much for posting this. Sadly the bands bass player, Ian Norington, dies in a motorcycle accident and drummer Barry Light had to stop playing drums for various reasons.
We do plan to issue 2 CDs - one an extended version of Waiting for The Backlash and the other an unreleased album that was recorded in the time between Smoky Town and Kennedy.
Darrell Mitchell and Barry Light are now in the band The Occasional Orchestra and there are some videos here on youtube
Thanks again
Japeeza 1 year ago
Fantástico Guitarreo Brit !!!!
Gracias por la subida y tienes toda la razón respecto a los recopilatorios " You can't be loved forever ". Son simplemente espectaculares.
Iba a subir este tema del Vol.1 , pero te me has adelantado...
5***/Fav
ELMELO80 1 year ago