Empire Escorts
Empire Escorts
Brick, NJ
(Self-released)
“Feel good roots rock with tinges of Tool”
Empire Escorts’ self-titled debut EP is an awesome calling card for the rock quartet from Brick, NJ. The upbeat grunge flavored roots rock is a perfect backdrop to a mischievous night on the town. The music is catchy and raw, but performed with confidence and care. The disc sounds very polished for the band’s first recording.
You can hear influences in the music ranging from The Black Keys to Tool to Silversun Pickups with heavy grunge tones mixed in. The songs have variety from straight blues-rock in “Electric Whiskey” to the nearly 7-minute rock epic “The Pulse.” The band shows that they are not a one trick pony, but have material in a range of styles to pick from.
There is bit of a problem in the record, however. You can identify the songs as Empire Escorts tracks when you listen the EP, but if you were to hear them separately you might not make the connection between them. The band seems to be pulled into few different directions. Empire Escorts might be best enjoyed live, when you have more direct access to the energy of the group on stage. These guys are definitely an act keep an eye on.
Recorded at Lakehouse Music
Produced by Jon Leidersdorff