REVIEW: Florentenes – ‘HOMEGROWN’

Florentenes are easily one of Manchester’s more exciting talents on the rise, and with ‘HOMEGROWN’, they waste no time playing it safe. Instead, they charge forward with a collection that balances grit and melody, heart and bravado, noise and nuance.

Opener ‘Fuel for the Flame’ kicks down the door with a swagger and tenacity that sets them apart from their peers. It’s muscular and urgent, the kind of track that hits like a second wind at the peak of a night out. There’s a hint of Northern snarl in the delivery, but the widescreen ambition suggests these lads have their sights set beyond the confines of the local pub stage.

‘Miss Understand’ dials up the emotional stakes, while ‘The Gun’ takes a more classic approach with tight riffs and sharp hooks practically begging for a crowd to echo them back.

But it’s ‘What It Takes’ that seals the deal. Packed with kinetic charm and melodic clarity, it’s the moment where the band stop nodding to their influences and starts defining their own lane. It’s bright, bold, and tailor-made for sweaty gig nights and long drives home.

With explosive choruses, emotional honesty, and a sound that feels both classic and forward-thinking, Florentenes have dropped a calling card that’s impossible to ignore.

Florentenes’ sophomore EP ‘HOMEGROWN’ will be available to stream from the 16th May.