December 29th, 2011 
James Shotwell 
Artist: Young Empires
Album: Wake All My Youth EP
Genre: ‘World Beat/Haute Rock’
Label: Pirates Blend Records/World Hoye Records
Young Empires are extremely fond of their hipster triangles. Dare I say, it even makes their Facebook page look horribly unprofessional. However, we can overlook all that nonsense cos their music is genuinely gorgeous. Wake All My Youth is a chilling, emotive, beautifully executed EP filled with lush and evocative songs. The band have combined elements of disco, ambient pop, and indie rock for a veritable mixed barrel of tracks that play out flawlessly.
Their opening track here is one of the best – “Rain of Gold,” which floats in with a folk-esque refrain for an ethereal, effortless opener. The music is enhanced by a bass guitar and chirpy vocals, the latter’s fervor seemingly muted to fit the delicacy and pensiveness of the music. It feels adventurous and kooky, but there’s something more serious at its heart. The piece softens as it elapses to become more reflective after the initial charge, mixing its instruments well and creating a good, vibrant rhythm. “Enter Through the Sun” uses the same template, opening with an organ then adding lighter elements to this stark, grounded instrument. The song thereby acquires an easygoing and light-hearted air, seeming curious and frolicking though without sacrificing any of its gravitas. The music is so engrossing and the atmosphere so pervasive throughout that it’s difficult to focus on what they’re actually singing about, but this is hardly a bad thing. It’s shrill and romanticized escapism, marked by a freshness and energetic kick that’s all but infectious. The light guitar and bass work gives it a bit of spice but it’s mostly soft and rolling, very broad and cinematic in scope.
“White Doves” is a sadder number, or at least it seems thus – its instrumentation is not as inventive or engaging at first. It does rally in its final segment however, with a sublime interplay between group vocal melodies and a sweeping string movement for something more ambitious and majestic. “Against the Wall” feels nostalgic. It’s icy and elegant, sounds very 80s, and thumps with bravado and pomp. The vocals give it a rhythmic and energetic feel and make it seem almost motivational, like something you’d exercise to (if you will). It’s cool and fun, with a good mini bass solo after the chorus, and its looser layout lets it be more free-flowing than the others. “Beaches” has a more tender and intimate air, its music bolstered with delicate backing fragments and refrains to sweeten the speedy, complex tempo. There’s a certain nuance in the guitar that lends it sentiment and emotion. It’s loving and earnest, heralding many of the attributes that make this EP so likable. There’s a compelling beat and accessible, poppy music but it’s deeper and more refined than that – like something with its eye fixated on a specific beauty or grace and determined to achieve it.
“Let You Sleep Tonight” is fluffy and romanticized also. It’s a bit more rooted in the here and now than its predecessors – something like synth pop but more uniquely attired. It’s glorious to listen to, the decorative elements giving it a gentle and endearing air of fragility so that it doesn’t quite slip away into nothingness. Although the sound is very airy and fibrous, there’s a stronger sense of purpose than you’d originally expect, and the band succeed in embedding vigor, firmness, and momentum in its elusive, wispy threads. Its final minute is all but wordless, allowing the various seams and streams to fold themselves around the listener and leave a mesmerizing impression.
“Final Call” is a bonus track that seems to channel Daft Punk’s work on the Tron: Legacy soundtrack at first. Its kaleidoscopic synths calm themselves after a time, though the vocals remain repetitious and ambient. There’s a strong bass line that gives it more potency than the other songs, seeming content to stand apart. In this attempt to sound a little more grinding, it loses a lot of the beauty and style of the other tracks, though it’s still a solid listen.
Young Empires display an impressive eye for detail, artistry, and craftwork on this delightful EP. It probably won’t suit everyone, but there’s a touch of magnificence here that can only come to further fruition with future works. Keep an eye on the name and hopefully the triangles will bite the dust sooner rather than later.
SCORE: 9/10
Review written by Grace Duffy
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