EMPIRE MACHINES
When thinking of thriving music scenes around the US, most
think perhaps first of Nashville. Seattle certainly is plugging along nicely as
it always seems to do. New York and Los Angeles certainly seem to keep a
certain status simply due to size and the cultural epicenters that they are
known to be. When Austin comes up in a conversation, those with any amount of
music acumen know that this Texas city has been a hotbed of music for a very
long time. Most may think that it leans mostly country and perhaps a bit blues,
but don’t underestimate the fantastic rock scene.
One of those acts that are bringing a unique spin on rock is
the group Empire Machine. On first read of their Facebook page, they claim to
be indie rock, and there are certainly elements of this at times. However, at
times there are elements of electronic, indie pop, and alternative flavors that
are sure to please many listeners across genres lines. With a number of singles
and an EP under their belts, I am heartened to know that Empire Machine is
coming out with a full album in the summer of 2017.
Their three track EP consists of the songs; “Animal Skins”, “Wanted Way”, and appearing
twice from their first double single release “The Plan”. It was “Animal Skin”
that initially caught my ear, lyrically and aggressive drums, sharp guitar
work, and the airy and urgent lyrics and vocals of lead singer/guitarist Matt
Blackwell. The engineering is at times a bit rough on this EP but the talent is
there. But it was “Wanted Way” that caught my ear. I believe that with the
right producer/engineer Empire Machines sound would sound more full and huge!
Their three track EP consists of the songs; “Animal Skins”, “Wanted Way”, and appearing
twice from their first double single release “The Plan”. It was “Animal Skin”
that initially caught my ear, lyrically and aggressive drums, sharp guitar
work, and the airy and urgent lyrics and vocals of lead singer/guitarist Matt
Blackwell. The engineering is at times a bit rough on this EP but the talent is
there. But it was “Wanted Way” that caught my ear. I believe that with the
right producer/engineer Empire Machines sound would sound more full and huge!
At present they have recently released the single “Scenes”
on their Bandcamp page. “Scenes” has some dark undertones, electronic
flourishes, airy vocals, minimalist choruses, and solid drum and bass that
Robert Smith of The Cure would certainly approve of. But ultimately, Empire
Machine is a group that makes a sound all their own. That’s why I love the
freedom of this column. It gives me a chance to expose groups and artists that
bring a fresh and unique perspective that you normally are not going to hear
because they aren’t quite to the point of touring, even on a regional level.
Ultimately, give Empire Machine a chance and a listen. I hear something good in their future. I look forward to their first full album release in the summer of 2017.
Show them some love on their socials!
Facebook
Twitter
Bandcamp
About Hunter: Hunter is a freelance music writer that concentrates on finding outstanding, unsigned, unknown and under appreciated bands from around the world and unabashedly wields them onto the unsuspecting and the great unwashed. His work has appeared on music sites kilScene (NYC/Brooklyn), Mother Church Pew (NYC), and East of Eighth (Nashville). One of his writings has even been shared and press quoted by a Grammy Nominated artist (Do the Grammy's even matter anymore?!) After a particularly difficult and surreal week of work about five years ago Hunter decided to search the dark, dusty corners and obscure underbelly of the Internet. It was after hearing one of the same 30 songs that a so called "New Rock" radio station played yet again on his way home. That is what started him n his quixotic quest. Since then through many seasons of bleeding ears, anguish, and many neurotic episodes, he has learned well how to hone the power of the Internet in his search. Along with that, he has a vast array of concerts and music rouges throughout the US and around the world, and his goal is to find some of the most unique, fresh, and kick you in the ear hole artists and bands. You can follow him on Twitter or Facebook (if you can find him!) About Hunter: Hunter is a freelance music writer that concentrates on finding outstanding, unsigned, unknown and under appreciated bands from around the world and unabashedly wields them onto the unsuspecting and the great unwashed. His work has appeared on music sites kilScene (NYC/Brooklyn), Mother Church Pew (NYC), and East of Eighth (Nashville). One of his writings has even been shared and press quoted by a Grammy Nominated artist (Do the Grammy's even matter anymore?!) After a particularly difficult and surreal week of work about five years ago Hunter decided to search the dark, dusty corners and obscure underbelly of the Internet. It was after hearing one of the same 30 songs that a so called "New Rock" radio station played yet again on his way home. That is what started him n his quixotic quest. Since then through many seasons of bleeding ears, anguish, and many neurotic episodes, he has learned well how to hone the power of the Internet in his search. Along with that, he has a vast array of concerts and music rouges throughout the US and around the world, and his goal is to find some of the most unique, fresh, and kick you in the ear hole artists and bands. You can follow him on Twitter or Facebook (if you can find him!)
Ultimately, give Empire Machine a chance and a listen. I hear something good in their future. I look forward to their first full album release in the summer of 2017.
Show them some love on their socials!
Bandcamp
About Hunter: Hunter is a freelance music writer that concentrates on finding outstanding, unsigned, unknown and under appreciated bands from around the world and unabashedly wields them onto the unsuspecting and the great unwashed. His work has appeared on music sites kilScene (NYC/Brooklyn), Mother Church Pew (NYC), and East of Eighth (Nashville). One of his writings has even been shared and press quoted by a Grammy Nominated artist (Do the Grammy's even matter anymore?!) After a particularly difficult and surreal week of work about five years ago Hunter decided to search the dark, dusty corners and obscure underbelly of the Internet. It was after hearing one of the same 30 songs that a so called "New Rock" radio station played yet again on his way home. That is what started him n his quixotic quest. Since then through many seasons of bleeding ears, anguish, and many neurotic episodes, he has learned well how to hone the power of the Internet in his search. Along with that, he has a vast array of concerts and music rouges throughout the US and around the world, and his goal is to find some of the most unique, fresh, and kick you in the ear hole artists and bands. You can follow him on Twitter or Facebook (if you can find him!) About Hunter: Hunter is a freelance music writer that concentrates on finding outstanding, unsigned, unknown and under appreciated bands from around the world and unabashedly wields them onto the unsuspecting and the great unwashed. His work has appeared on music sites kilScene (NYC/Brooklyn), Mother Church Pew (NYC), and East of Eighth (Nashville). One of his writings has even been shared and press quoted by a Grammy Nominated artist (Do the Grammy's even matter anymore?!) After a particularly difficult and surreal week of work about five years ago Hunter decided to search the dark, dusty corners and obscure underbelly of the Internet. It was after hearing one of the same 30 songs that a so called "New Rock" radio station played yet again on his way home. That is what started him n his quixotic quest. Since then through many seasons of bleeding ears, anguish, and many neurotic episodes, he has learned well how to hone the power of the Internet in his search. Along with that, he has a vast array of concerts and music rouges throughout the US and around the world, and his goal is to find some of the most unique, fresh, and kick you in the ear hole artists and bands. You can follow him on Twitter or Facebook (if you can find him!)
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