Changin’ is a suave interpretation of traditional soul music, touched by gospel and pop elements. The release is a teaser: a selection of three studio tracks and a single live recording from a show in Sydney. It follows up the band’s successful self-titled release of 2010, and in turn is a strong lead-in to bigger things.
Musically, the record wastes no time, capturing attention with a spacey guitar lick and immediate grove provided by a beautiful drum sound. It takes something special to grab a listener’s attention immediately. More than this, it takes something very special to hold a listener’s attention for the duration of a recording. Each track of the short EP offers a swelling ride of smooth and emotional music: from the upbeat swing of Taking It High, to the sweet and dynamic croon of Love. The title track vividly showcases raw vocal talent, a gospel-choir adding panache and vitality to select moments.
The band is comprised of multi-instrumentalists, songwriters and producers, and both the professional musicality and the long-standing relationships in the band are wonderfully evident in the sound produced. The EP preserves a vivid live energy, while being atmospheric and built from the ground up with memorable melodies, and skilfully embellished with rich harmonies.
Look out for Electric Empire. They’ve built global repute over recent years, playing key festivals and support slots for respected international artists (Glastonbury, Aloe Blacc, Mayer Hawthorne, Fat Freddy’s Drop), and have received strong reviews from notable critics (including Q Magazine and Rolling Stone). There is only one complaint to be made about Changin’: that it isn’t a full length. Every listener will be left wanting more.
BY JEREMY MILLAR
Best Track: Changin’
If You Like These, You’ll Like This: AL GREEN, MAYER HAWTHORN
In A Word: Soulful
