EMPYRE - The Other Side
Released 30/4/21
Album review by; DeeDee
One of the most prolific bands I know, the incredible and talented Henrik Steenholdt and company never seem to stop, having brought out singles and EP’s during lockdown and also keeping us entertained online, with their Isolation Sessions and the 12 Days of Empyre over Christmas. Now the Northampton based four piece release an acoustic album ’The Other Side’ on 30th April. If you enjoyed ‘Self Aware’ from 2019, then this selection of nine tracks from that superb debut will absolutely delight you.
‘Only Way Out’ has a haunting melody and this piano acoustic version brings out intense feelings as we get closer to the heart of the song. No wonder this won Track of the Week recently by Classic Rock Magazine. The keys are crucial to the ambiance that builds and Henrik’s voice maintains its powerful yet warm and embracing tone. ‘Drive’ is also stripped bare and again Henrik provides some amazing vocals. More raw and sensitive with the guitar of Did Coles to accompany him. ’Too Close’ begins with simple guitar plucking and raised lyrics, before the rampant melody hits in. The guitar of Coles and the bass of Grant Hockley are a main feature with precise chords and soothing underlying charm, taking it to the innermost of the soul and your mind drifts in harmony. ‘Cut To The Core’ has a slightly jazzy edge, lots of percussion from Elliot Bale and more rhythm is added to give it an upbeat but laid back result. ‘Just A Ride’ makes the most of the guitars and piercing vocals, it’s unwavering and the strength in the writing really comes through during this one. ‘My Bad’ is another piano featured acoustic and is a welcome addition as it hasn’t been honoured too much by the band recently. A lustful piano introduction is joined by stretching vocals and soft harmony. The partnership remains constant and personally rewarding until the final blissful notes. ‘Stone’, besides being another Classic Rock favourite, is also loved by Empyre fans. This is still as dramatic as the full electric version and holds you, enraptured. It would make a perfect film or TV theme with its head strong swaying and 007 like boldness. A live acoustic play for ‘Homegrown’. Moody and murmuring vocals that reach skyward before fading. The excellent strings take a promising role and together with the slide effect, make it cool and exotic. The guitar grumbles with a soft riff and is then allowed to strum and take hold with a classical Spanish type solo. Oh yes, save this for the finale, Empyre pull off a radio edit version of ‘Only Way Out’ with full orchestral sound, wow.
Empyre are a band that have such a strong ability, they reach so many levels and produce songs that are both captivating and meaningful. The collaboration of the band members is unique; they have this depth to their work that once contrived, can’t be broken. So lies the proof with ‘The Other Side’ as the tracks are just as moving and glorious in acoustic form as they are plugged in.
5/5
Henrik Steenholdt - Vocals / Rhythm Guitar,
Did Coles - Lead Guitar/ Piano
Grant Hockley - Bass
Elliot Bale - Drums
Tracks;
Only Way Out (Piano Acoustic)
Drive (Acoustic)
Too Close (Acoustic)
Cut to The Core (Acoustic)
Just A Ride (Acoustic)
My Bad (Piano Acoustic)
Stone (Acoustic)
Homegrown (Live Acoustic)
Only Way Out (Radio Edit)
Already writing new material and having gigs and festivals lined up, check out the social pages below for more info and to keep up to date. A few shows already planned are festivals such as Steelhouse, Call Of The Wild, Ramblin Fair Man and Planet Rockstock.
!!! FRIDAY LAUNCH DATE 30TH APRIL AT 8PM DON’T MISS THE ROCK SHOW WITH LEE GRAHAM FOR A 2 HOUR EMPYRE SPECIAL - SEE THE BANDS FACEBOOK PAGE FOR DETAILS !!!
FACEBOOK WEBSITE YOUTUBE TWITTER INSTAGRAM SPOTIFY
Listen to 'Only Way Out' with an orchestra on Spotify, iTunes, YouTube and Amazon;
https://music.empyre.co.uk/link/ibbk8z
Book Waterloo Music Bar Blackpool acoustic show with SKAM tickets;
https://www.rockpeoplemanagement.com/tickets
Pre-order the acoustic album as a digital and/or physical copy;