Hailing from Connecticut, Empty Flowers are a four-piece playing emotive post rock with a punk attitude; part Fugazi, part Iggy & The Stooges. Made up or of former members of metalcore group Cable, the band is now releasing their second album.
Their debut, Six, was solid post rock record. But on new album Five, the band add a layer of pop accessibility to their sound that wasn’t present before. They’ve not radically changed their sound or anything; the guitars are still scratchy, the emotive aggression is still present, it’s just the more is more groove and focus on the songwriting.
The opening title track is a hook-driven slab of indie post rock, ‘I Get To Know His Name’, is all rumbling bass and buzzing guitars, while ‘Lousey Phil’ demonstrates their gentler accessible side. There are plenty of ideas thrown in, and the songs rarely stay still for very long. Christian McKenna’s yelp fits the music perfectly. His punk delivery brings the attitude and swagger. In ‘Time Feeds The Dose’ he delivers a stream of consciousness, while in late highlight ‘The Water’ he flows along with the music.
Five is more instantly gratifying than its predecessor; there’s no slow burning six minuters, every track here clocks in at under three minutes, jumping straight into the song with catchy hooks and a pink-like sense of urgency. But the instant nature of the album is also its biggest weakness. Despite having eight tracks, the album only clocks in at 22 minutes, and feels more like an unfinished EP than a full record. there’s very little room to breathe, and while it’s best to leave the audience wanting more, Five is definitely a case of blink and you’ll miss it.
Despite this, Five is a very enjoyable album. It’s raw and ragged, erratic yet accessible and packed to the brim with ideas. Fans of the previous record will find everything still intact, with a few more tricks sprinkled on top.
7.5/10
Dan Swinhoe