Album Review: Empire! Empire! (I Was A Lonely Estate)/Football, Etc - Split 7"

Two bands with peculiar names provide a delicate and admirable short slice of laid-back (90's) emo with this split 7". Last time I reviewed Empire! Empire! (I Was A Lonely Estate), I pointed out their consistent use of lo-fi, laid back style that was reminscent of bands like Mineral. 'Documenting Thirty Days' sees the band continuing this favourable trend, as the track has a tempo that slowly brews and aching vocals that provide an intimate atmosphere. It is somewhat expected that the track concludes with the four-piece going off an distorted, soaring tangent with stabbing guitars.

For some E!E!(IWALE) may sound a bit depressing. Thankfully Football, etc provide a (slightly) more cheerful sound with guitars that sparkle along with female vocals and all round earthly sound that resonates throughout. 'Fightin' Phoenix' also to an extent leans to indie side of emo, rather than the slow, stripped sound of E!E!(IWALE). Nevertheless the bands easy going DIY approach shines through and compliments the a-side well.

Overall both bands serve their purpose well and leave a good impression; one that grows with each listen. For Empire! Empire! it reminds us of all what was good with last year's 'What It Takes to Move Forward'. Whilst for Football, etc makes you interested in what else the band have planned in the future.

4/5

'Split 7"' BY Empire! Empire! (I Was A Lonely Estate)/Football, Etc is available through Count Your Lucky Stars Records.

Count Your Lucky Stars Records

Empire! Empire! (I Was A Lonely Estate) on MySpace, Twitter, and Facebook.

Football, etc on MySpace and Facebook

Sean Reid