Ledges’ “Homecoming” is a steady journey through the clouds

By Ryan G

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.