The emo re-revolution is most certainly upon us now. It’s almost as if this new breed of emo bands like Street Smart Cyclist, Algernon Cadwallader, Rapid Cities, Bridge and Tunnel, Know Think, Jacob and I, and others have just fallen out of the sky and onto my stereo. Another band that fits snugly into this classification is the Fenton, Michigan based Empire! Empire! (I Was A Lonely Estate). Yes, that is the band’s name. Their debut EP, When The Sea Became A Giant, is and imperfect but impassioned collection of what my brother would call “shitty whiny plinky-plink emo.” It’s an accurate and endearing (yes, endearing) description of a band that reminds me a bit of Mineral and early Get Up Kids. A promising debut from a talented band indeed, but there are points where the vocals are so forced and off-key that it is almost painful to listen to. Sure, some harmonic dissonance is expected, but at times it is just too much. All that being said, I can’t wait to hear this band grow and come into their own. When The Sea Became A Giant moves slowly; purposefully meandering and wonderfully unpolished.
MP3 | Empire ! Empire! – Our Love Has Made Us Pariahs When The Sea Became A Giant
holy crap! it warms my heart to see a michigan band on here eric! i saw these kids play at the gallery i volunteer at and they rock. (i hope they see this too!) great band, great song. thumbs up!
Absolutely. Thanks for the thumbs up.
mineral is dead on… miss bands like this. great song.
First time visitor to your blog and I LOVE the music you’re featuring. You’re doing the music industry a great service.
Agree with you on the vocals for Empire! Empire!. But their music is a good bit of indie-emo. Definite potential.