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Many have compared the band to the sounds of The Gaslight Anthem and The Killers. Maybe you could have said that in 2008, but I feel now they have more grit than The Gaslight Anthem and singer Sean Van Vleet, to me, has a greater stage presence (and way cooler name) than Brandon Flowers.
Howl (2008) We have to remember that 2008 is a long time ago when it comes to music. Having said that, I feel some of it is pop punk/rock rehash. I still consider it a solid album, especially at 15 tracks deep. Which I consider ambitious for a debut effort. Tracks that really caught my attention: Spit the Dark, Midnight Land, Anywhere, and Hayley.
Bang (EP 2010)
Here's the best way to put it; a bang is louder than a howl. Two years later, half the tracks, less pop, more rock, but a much more unique work. The band refined their sound and their vocalist found a new voice. One of the more pleasant one's I've heard in a while. Tracks to jam: Voodooized, Bang, Intruder.
Garage Hymns (2012) A breath of fresh alt rock air. Still one I've been listening to front to back. At the end of my first listen all I could think was 'what's next?' I wanted more. Kick ass riffs, loud anthems, and explosive chorus' that Kings of Leon have wet dreams about. You must listen to: Can't Steal Your Heart Away, Hell's Heroes, Surrenderer, Lord Have Mercy.
...but wait there's more! Their newest single I guess? I really dig this one. Listen up! It's good!
They also plan to release a new album in June!
My live experience...
It's best to go back to last Tuesday. I received an email saying I had won two tickets to a private event in Chicago to see more or less my favorite band, The Joy Formidable, supported by Empires. The show was that Friday. I listened to one of Empires songs on youtube, couldn't even tell you which one, but I liked it. Let's go to Friday April 11. An 8 hour ride to Chicago. An hour and a half in line gave us front and center at the rail for the show. The gig was sponsored by Jack Daniels and everyone had free drinks.. people seemed to enjoy it! Empires took the stage. They ripped through what I recall may have been a seven song set. The band was into it, they sounded great, and they got the crowd into it. Granted they all had a few drinks. Their lead singer really impressed me. His voice was what first caught my attention. His range, his force, his sound. Just as great was his stage presence. He danced, he interacted with the crowd, he embraced his environment. I talked to them after the show. I told them how impressed I was and that I couldn't wait to party with them in June. We exchanged money and goods and he gave me and my best buddy two CD singles and a 45. You should see this band at Roo. If they're anything like when I saw them you will not regret it. But hey, what do I know, I've only been listening to them for a week.
Last Edit: May 3, 2014 10:48:03 GMT -5 by Deleted - Back to Top
