123. Fifteen Minutes of Fame Recap: EP Review of Homesick for a Place That Doesn’t Exist by Changeling
Originally Published on May 1st, 2025
About the Artist
Surgeon general’s warning to any young ladies that might have an “unresolved daddy issue” or two, a proclivity for smoke-filled bars, long hair, bourbon, and that hot, buttery grunge rock that was so prominent in the 90’s. You may be triggered. Because those bad ass boys from Indiana are back and they’ve released their first multi-track project since 2023.
You heard me.
That’s right, I am talking about Changeling, who is one of the first bands I ever reviewed. In fact, it was Fifteen Minutes of Fame’s 11th publication. I’m talking about Changeling, who sat down with me for an EPIC Fifteen Minutes of Fame interview last October hinting at this incredible new project. I’m talking about the masters of authentic, independently produced music videos, the “I sing like Anthony Kiedis but better,” the “fuck the anarchy and rock out,” boys that do rock better than ANYBODY!
Changeling debuted in 2023. Their release of Keep it Coming; a 5-song, twenty minute EP marked their break into the industry of recording artists. This EP instantly showcased their limitless potential with songs like Blacked Out Angels, which showcased lead singer, Zachary Smith’s, incredibly dynamic vocals.
In 2024, Changeling released 4 singles including the reviewed Shades of Green and an amazing cover of Alice in Chains' sensational hit, Man in the Box.
When I sat down with Zachary and lead guitar player, David Minton, last October, we discussed their upcoming ventures, which included the cover I just mentioned and another project they had been working on that were being referred to as “The Sweetwater Sessions.” At long last, the results of that project are here!
About the EP
Homesick for a Place That Doesn't Exist is the second EP released by the Indiana-based rock band, Changeling. Running at approximately 13 minutes, this 4-song EP released on April 25th, 2025. All songs have been performed by Changeling and were recorded at the legendary Sweetwater Studios in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
About the Music
Homesick for a Place That Doesn’t Exist starts off with the song My Side Your Side; a slow jam that could be considered a power ballad of sorts. Smith’s vocals are extensively showcased, as he exhibits an extraordinary range, a dynamic vibrato, and diversity from a crisp and clear tonal quality that can change to a raspy, growling, dirty grunge sound on command.
A slight pick up in tempo, coins is the second song and highlighting Smith’s vocals are highlighted by a dynamic and impressive performance by Minton on guitar, as well as Cameron Bender’s performance on the bass and Andrew Dawson’s ornamentation and impressive control atop his throne of drums.
I feel like there has been a reference to a comparison between Changeling and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Who was it that said that? That’s right, it was me! Once again, I hear strict similarities in the song Catch 22. I also said, though similar, I thought Smith was a better vocalist than Kaedis. This may be a hot take to some, but after listening to this song, I fucking stand by my statement confidently. The two vocalists offer the same energy through their voices but Zachary Ryan Smith does it better! It’s the same unique cadence, but with a vibrato that is as wide as Gwen Stefani's. It’s unbelievable to listen to; an extraordinarily pleasant sound.
At the close, Changeling roll into Miss Magician with a full throttle, unchecked authentic rock song. This song is a great closer because they feature all of the elements that are showcased individually in other places on the record, they’re now showcased together in a climactic way.
Final Thoughts
Listening to this record brings me back to how I felt listening to them last year. The production of the music, in particular. There are no frills or “production tricks” with this band. There’s little in the way of plug-ins, aside from EQ and Reverb. What we hear are the instruments being played; no programming. The vocals are being performed and what we hear is that performance. His vocals aren’t enhanced in the production process. They’re just naturally enhanced by being talented. The instrumental performances aren’t boosted in any way, except for the fact that each one of the musicians can play their instruments extremely fucking well.
Twenty-five years ago, that’s was the norm. Though, music has progressed in fantastic ways, new ways, in ways that have given us so many possibilities, Changeling have done things the old way but still have managed to progress as musicians. Their sound has influences of older music but they are a band that fits right in with 2025. There isn’t an audience these guys couldn’t entertain. Rock isn’t just something they do. Rock is something they are. They’re just as capable of blasting somebody’s eardrums during a concert as they are punching some guy that talked shit to them in the parking lot afterwards.
I just have one request for Changeling: Don’t change. Ever.
Additional media can be found on their YouTube Channel and TikTok.
Homesick for a Place That Doesn't Exist released on April 25th, 2025 and is streaming on all major platforms!
Go press play!
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