songoftheweek

Young Empires - Rain of Gold
Wake All My Youth, 2012

To build an original soundscape that will forever hook listeners and appeal to the masses would sound like wishful thinking for most up-and-coming pop or rock acts. The recent breakthrough ofYoung Empires must have been keeping the dream alive for this Toronto-based band that has reached a highly coveted state of grace. The group is to release Wake All My Youth, a six-track debut EP that will certainly generate a lot of enthusiasm. 

It is very hard not to get drawn to Young Empire’s music, for its beat is joyous yet accessible and infectious, apparenting itself to the likes of Bedouin Soundclash, Empire of The Sun or MGMT, coupled with their own original sound. The Toronto trio marries together a world of beats and alternative-rock influences shaped through layers of sound, drifted by edgy reverb guitars and dominated by enchanting vocals. Thus, you can only observe an undeniable ability of the band to concoct brilliant and powerful pop hymns. The result is fresh and exultant, drawing uplifting and bright melodies designed to suit your good mood and enlighten your day. 

Each of Wake All My Youth songs is a spontaneous invitation to move and dance around, although each of them are more complex than they first appear. As much as Young Empire’s music is festive, when looked closely one will notice that they have lyrics that invite reflection. They are singing about youth, adventure and/or romance, and it is done in a way that calls to the heart and the head in a blissful manner. ‘Let You Sleep Tonight’,which is the sixth track on the EP, is reminiscent of the classic 80’s tune ‘’Young Turks’’ through its lyrics and general ambiance. However, I can say with all certainty that the second track ‘Enter Through The Sound’ will be consistently played and replayed over the Spring and Summer. 

From calls to the dance floor to more nuanced rhythms, Young Empire’s work is often cheerful without ever being overjoyed. Many will feel like answering the calling, as we all want to have fun while we are young while advancing through our collective conscience with our cross-cultural vision. Young Empire’s music is a not a bad way to indulge in some hedonistic manners.