Empress Of – Systems
EP (Double Denim Records)
Vinyl/DL
Out Now
Hot on the heels of
reviewing the new album by Wizard Of, I now find myself reviewing Empress
Of. I know not of where they claim to
reign, but do know that the Wiz, Bob McCully, was less than complimentary of
the Systems EP – a shame, as although poles apart, they both do strive to offer
something in the growing field or alternative pop.
Lorely created a mini
storm on YouTube last October by uploading around fifty, minute-long musical
pieces and associating each one to a simple colour swatch. ‘Colorminutes’ is an intriguing series and
one which displays both originality and creativity alike.
‘Systems EP’ is no
exception and opens with the sparkling ‘Hat Trick’. Blending part Alison Goldfrapp with part
Scarlet (see ‘Independent Love Song’ from 1994) and a hint of Grimes, it’s both
commercial and catchy in a slightly offbeat sort of way. There are even hints of Elizabeth Fraser
tucked away in her vocal style which winds its way up and down the scales right
into ‘No Means No’ complete with the very occasional elongated 70s disco
‘pooom’. It’s all very pleasant listening and will see her gain some good
recognition.
Side two of the EP sees
two tracks in her first language, Spanish.
‘Tristeza’ is sumptuous.
Completely percussion free with multiple voices and trickling electronic
effects. There’s a strange panting noise
which is quite simply enchanting and mesmerising. The instrumentation rises and floats, and,
the slightly strange arrangement makes for something very special with finger
clicks and tambourine sound. Final
track, ‘Camisa Favorita’, is again unique and sparse in its style. The stripped down background making you
listen rather than just accept it.
It’s a lovely little
thing, and, nice to see someone trying to blend both pop and alternative in a
very acceptable way.
Published on Louder Than War 22/04/13 - http://louderthanwar.com/empress-of-systems-ep-review/
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