Performing
Friday, June 4

Chicago quintet Empires explained the series of singles that now comprise this EP as choosing quality over quantity. They almost inexplicably chose not to saddle these five songs with a half-dozen filler tracks and label it an album, as just about any other hungry young band might've. Of course, Empires are smarter than that, and guitarist Tom Conrad's already tasted success as a member of the Academy Is... during their Almost Here album cycle. They've set about doing this right. It's a sentiment reinforced by these sterling alt-pop tracks boasting delicious symmetry of texture and tension. Though at heart a polished melodic-rock act poised for broad appeal, there's a touch of bristle in their swelling and crashing guitars. Official Site