The key word that comes to mind when listening to When the Sea Became a Giant is light. Everything is light. The vocal delivery is a deep reminder of the roots of emo, where a different kind of melancholy built its empire (no pun intended, I lied, yes it was). The guitars let off an air of innocent intensity. The bass a resonating backdrop to a story never told. It's been heard before, but never so well.
Empire! Empire! (I was a Lonely Estate) is an interesting collection of what seems to be a close family making music together. And we all know close families together making music makes a good time. Empire! Empire!, however, seem to try to touch upon something deeper, something more root-ful (yes I made up that word). The basic mechanics of emo are all displayed here. For example, the first song "Our Love has Made Us Pariahs" demonstrates many conjunctive moments between light but full band explosions and guitar matrimony. The guitars delve into clean, but in their own way very lyrical, engrossing leads. All which create a vacuum strong enough for the bass to fulfill.
What is most gripping about this release is that the recording was done by one man, Keith Latinen, with a guest vocal on the last track "K. O. K. O." In a way you can tell, it is made up to be something more of a personal self confession that a collective truth. The whole of When the Sea Became a Giant is consistent and familiar as you listen to it, which in a way makes it unique from other emo efforts that could be comparable.
This release was independently released, however, it has caught the attention of many online music boards, including this one, obviously. What sells them so well is simple. They are playing something that has been hushed in the history of music. They make emo the genre it's supposed to be. Many may argue they are hailing to a different genre, however, to the likes of this journalist, it is emo. But on a side note, it's unfortunate for their full band effort; it seems they are having a hard time keeping a consistent drummer and bassist. Nonetheless, the couple that makes up Empire! Empire! is planning a full-length, and at this rate, something beautiful may come of it.
PS: Another thing to consider when try getting your hands on this album is this. I cannot stand emo music. The vocals bug me the most I think. Yet, I have given this album a very good review. This is very, very rare. Just some food for thought.
See also
Mineral, Appleseed Cast, American Football, Emo
