ALBUM REVIEW: Glue – EMP!RE

A couple of years have passed since UK rockers EMP!RE released their much loved E.P Our Simple Truths, during this time they have been honing their craft out on the road sharing the stage with high profile bands such as ARCANE ROOTS, HIM and DEVIN TOWNSEND to name a few. September 7th will see their debut full length release entitled Glue hit the airwaves via Silent Cult Records as the quintet hope to build on their praiseworthy momentum.

Colour Of Shame opens the album with an energetic, upbeat attitude. The guitar work is packed with catchy hooks and the soaring vocals of frontman Joe Green are incredibly addictive. Glue continues the accessible, punchy riffs and lively pace which are complimented by snappy drumming. Miss Fortune also follows suit but ebbs and flows as energetic bursts flow between calming verse segments.

Now EMP!RE have eased you in it’s time for My Party My Rules pick up the intensity with pounding drums and the BIFFY CLYRO influence becomes evident with the quirky riff work. The chorus line is intoxicating and is guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser in a live setting. Rewrite keeps the heavier groove going alongside the endearing, unwaivering energy which has become a staple thus far. The captivating riffs show no sign of slowing up as Feasts provides further level of vibrancy. The high notes Joe Green is capable is scary as certain moments are particularly spine tingling.

Time Ain’t No Healer has a more restrained manner than it’s accomplices holding a strong bass line and steady pacing which pours into the emotive melody of I For 1. The arrangement feels minimalistic but is brimming with passionate energy. Sour Tastes elevates the tempo with edgy bass lines and inviting, memorable hooks and before you know it the final track is upon the horizon. Teeth/Tether allows floaty guitar work to saunter around in the background as jabbing bass riffs take prominence. The rhythm shifts back and forth as the track slowly builds into one more glorious fanfare/sing along.

Alternative rock has never been the same since trailblazers REUBEN left a gaping hole in British hearts and with the impending demise of ARCANE ROOTS the world needs a band who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty, bridge the gap and dabble in the heavier side of rock. EMP!RE could well be the saviour that everyone is so desperately seeking. They tiptoe unassumingly between mainstream feel good rock tunes and a grittier grungy tone which is packed full of charisma and emotion. The tracks which comprise Glue are bite-size but effective chunks of energetic rock that don’t overstay their welcome and are guaranteed to be ingrained in your mind as you hum along to them hours after listening. They may not be quite as experimental as the aforementioned but they have the potential to be a shining star for many years to come.

Rating: 9/10

Glue is due for release on September 7th via Silent Cult Records.

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