It has been four long years since Manchester’s The Empty Page released their debut album, Unfolding, but from the first few seconds of ‘Dry Ice,’ stand back as they are igniting back into life.
From the opening track ‘Dry Ice’ and beyond, Imploding carries such a restless drive that propels it forward in an incredible fashion. The aforementioned first track, with its PJ Harvey-inspired vocals and energetic guitar, sets the tone for the rest of the album.
“People often describe our sound as anxious, urgent, angular. I think it’s all of those things because that’s what the inside of my brain looks like. But I think it’s lush and beautiful at times too. I hope people can hear the whole gamut of emotions in this record. It’s political, personal, passionate and, I hope, important.” – Kel, The Empty Page
Another incredible track, ‘Cock of the Fifth Year,’ features Kel on vocals resembling the wailing style of John Lydon in Public Image Ltd. Its sardonic lyricism tackles the high and mighty lads who used to swagger through the hallways.
I think these lyrics sum it all up incredibly:
‘He’s a LinkedIn narcissist,
he’s a hipster capitalist,
he’s a self-proclaimed philanthropist.’
The inevitable fadeaway of these lads is portrayed with lyrics that will put a smile on many faces.
Impressive in its range, the album diverges from loose punkrock to grand instrumentation, reminiscent of ‘Yoyo‘ from their debut album Unfolding. Delicate vocals and shimmering guitar rekindle memories, while the collaboration with drummer John Simm of Stockport’s indie band The Blossoms adds a fresh dimension.
Imploding fires on all four cylinders, an incredible example of an album’s ability to be exciting and diverse in its lyricism and instrumentation. I would not miss this for anything.
Catch The Empty Page live:
28 July at The Windmill, Brixton – LOUD WOMEN at Rebellion London preview
4 August, Rebellion Festival
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