With lots of guitar, powerful drums, and B-3 organ, this third outing for the band shows it abandoning the "dance thing" in favor of a more organic mix complete with real live drummer John Knox. And with these songs about pain, poverty, and emotion, they are all the better for the shift. Homeboys is more sophisticated all around. The excellent cover of Marvin Gaye's "Inner City Blues" -- more subdued than the original -- has a yearning quality courtesy of Eugene's unique voice. The standout closing track, "No Regrets," laments an apparently self-incited loss or separation, and is heart-wrenching in sentiment ("If I could be anyone again, I'd be that child in your arms"). Another unique track -- "This Band Is Our House" -- is a sort of tribute to the band as a group collective. This release presents the band as more of a serious outfit, stronger and more unified as a result. ~ Mark W.B. Allender