Emergency Break’s new single “Hometown” marks a significant step in the band’s evolution, blending reflective lyricism with their signature unapologetic energy. Written by frontman Leo Gerchen during a year-long stint in New York City, the song delves into the emotional complexities of leaving behind a hometown and the people that defined it. Leo reflects on the distance that naturally grows over time and the unintentional drift from those left behind. “Hometown” captures the essence of this separation while maintaining the band’s bold, in-your-face sound that fans have come to love.
The track is Emergency Break’s first studio-recorded single mastered outside of the band’s internal circle, with renowned engineer Pete Maher bringing it to life. The result is a polished yet raw anthem that is destined to make waves. True to Gerchen’s vision, the song is both a personal ballad and a raucous, headphone-shaking experience—a potent blend of reflection and ferocity.
Building on this momentum, Emergency Break has announced a headline show at The Grace in London, following a string of sellouts at iconic venues like The O2 Academy Islington, Camden Assembly, and Dublin Castle. With “Hometown,” Emergency Break seems poised to cement their place as one of the most exciting forces in the UK rock scene. The track, like the band’s live shows, is a reminder that even amidst growth and change, some things—like the power of music—remain constant.
The single’s artwork, created by Ian Rogers, further complements the song’s introspective nature. “I came to the realization that life is very short and that I needed to produce some form of creative “outpouring” every day and if I am lucky maybe more”. Since all my work, contemporary at the time, was burnt in a famous warehouse fire in London (while I was moving home) I gave up the process of making images that are durable and flammable and instead resorted to digital image making. From 1996 to the present day I endeavor to apply the digital marks as one would a blunt stick in sand. The digital world is amazing and complicated and I know nothing about it, other than, the tools that I use have been designed by others and their tricks are their tricks, seductive tricks, coy and enticing slights of hands that could pull me into a spiral of pirouettes of meaningless and mirthless virtuosity.
