The Empires
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The Empires

Band Alternative Rock

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This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

Music

The best kept secret in music

Press


"Interview by Bunk Bedouin"

"Hot damn, The Empires write some catchy stuff! They describe it as cinematic sci-fi pop-rock, but we’d describe as the sound of some Superfriendz Swervedrivin’ down the Expressway To Yr Skull." - Wavelength show (April 10, 2005)


"Horseshow show review on www.chromewaves.net"

"I did make it to see The Empires at the Horseshoe last night. With every band strip-mining the 80s UK indie scene for inspiration of late, it's good to see a band get the jump on things and start exhuming the early 90s for a change. The two points of comparison that came to mind while watching them were either a less combustible Swervedriver or a Catherine Wheel without the imminent threat of metal. Take that as you will... I would certainly peg them as having quite a bit of potential and worth watching. If you want to sample some of their stuff, listen to "Lesbian Games" off their website. Awful song title, but pretty good song. And man, I don't want to think about the Google hits I'm going to get from typing that out." - Feb 24, 2005


Discography

"Lesbian Games" EP - released February 2004
"Nostalgic for the Future" LP - yet to be released (July 2005)

Photos

Feeling a bit camera shy

Bio

The Empires: cinematic science-fiction pop rock

The Empires were formed in Toronto in 2002 by Terrence Kramer and James Strachan who grew up together listening to 70s prog-rock and early jazz-fusion.

Several years and various music projects later, John Hall (formerly of By Divine Right) and Graham Walsh (also of Holy Fuck) joined Kramer and Strachan in 2003 to make up the The Empires.

Though the band has often been compared to late 80s/early 90s brit/shoegaze bands such as Catherine Wheel and Swervedriver, The Empires themselves don't see the connection, having been influenced more by the sounds of Pink Floyd, The Flaming Lips, Magma, Miles Davis, Bruce Hack, SFA, Ennio Morricone, Bartok, & AM radio.

The Empires desire is to explore the musical spectrum; from strange, melodic pop/rock songs to more unconventional experiments in sound and music. The songs conjure themes of obsession, nostalgia, futurism, and horror, based on ideas from science fiction novels and films.

In 2004 the band focused on playing live shows in Toronto and other Canadian cities, and made their US debut during a 4-show ‘mini-tour’ in NYC in November. During this time they also released a self-produced EP called “Lesbian Games”.

After spending much of the last year working on new songs for their first full-length album (but having written and recorded enough for two full albums), The Empires are anticipating the release of “Nostaglia for the Future” independently produced in mid-July 2005. Also in the works is an experimental DVD intended as a follow-up to the record, based on the visual projections used in their live shows, and featuring songs from the album (as well as other unreleased goodies).