Totally agree.The Homepod sounds OK if you're deaf. Otherwise, it's as bad as most other computer type speakers on the market.
Having had the chance to compare one to a pair of the KEFs in the article leads one to the inevitable conclusion that the reviewer is deaf, or, at best, has significantly damaged hearing.
If KEF made $999 speakers that sound as bad as the HomePod they would go out of business immediately.
If fact if KEF made $399 speakers that sound as bad as the HomePod they would still go out of business.