{"id":8730,"date":"2015-07-13T12:45:01","date_gmt":"2015-07-13T12:45:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/album-review-the-gospel-youth-empires-ep\/"},"modified":"2018-03-21T22:16:12","modified_gmt":"2018-03-21T22:16:12","slug":"album-review-the-gospel-youth-empires-ep","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/album-review-the-gospel-youth-empires-ep\/","title":{"rendered":"Album Review:\u00a0The Gospel Youth – Empires EP"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"image\" If you\u2019ve been paying attention to Already Heard, or other blogs and websites devoted to up-and-coming music, then you\u2019ll know there\u2019s a huge amount of buzz around Brighton\u2019s The Gospel Youth<\/b>.<\/figure>\n

Sometimes, such expectations can leave you feeling flat when you finally listen to the record, simply because it\u2019s not as good as you\u2019ve built it up to be. Fortunately, there\u2019s no such problems with \u2018Empires\u2019<\/i>, which may only be 5 songs long, but more than justifies the hype.<\/p>\n

<\/figure>\n

The beauty of \u2018Empires\u2019<\/i> can be found in its simplicity. The Gospel Youth<\/b> aren\u2019t re-writing the rule book \u2013 indeed, there\u2019s plenty of nods to pop-rock heroes Deaf Havana and Kids In Glass Houses \u2013 yet there\u2019s a confidence and ability that makes you sit up and take note. Empires<\/i> is unashamedly accessible, but it\u2019s so well-written and constructed, it makes you really appreciate the art and craft that goes into penning a bloody brilliant chorus. <\/p>\n

Opener \u2018Stay Positive\u2019<\/i> sets the tone perfectly. The drums and guitars are urgent and driving, the vocals suitably pleading. It\u2019s far from original but it\u2019s a genuine, passionate slice of pop-rock. It\u2019s a real earworm too \u2013 you\u2019ll be humming it for days and, when you\u2019re currency is hooks and melodies that ability is like hitting the jackpot. \u2018Homesick\u2019<\/i> is even better though; it certainly doesn\u2019t feel nearly four-and-a-half minutes long as it hits a gallop and doesn\u2019t stop. It\u2019s the sort of song that belongs on road-trip playlists. Lyrically, it retains the sincerity of \u2018Stay Positive\u2019<\/i>, yet showcases the band’s depth and diversity. <\/p>\n

Indeed, depth and diversity permeates \u2018Empires\u2019<\/i>. \u2019Lighting Fires\u2019<\/i> mixes things up again, including some great \u2013 and unexpected \u2013 gang vocals. It\u2019s more of a slow burner than the opening salvo, but no less fantastic. The obligatory knockout chorus remains in place, proving they\u2019re no one (or two) trick pony. The ballad, \u2018If She\u2019s The Rope\u2019<\/i>, is probably the weakest of the 5 songs. It\u2019s a welcome change of pace, and is gorgeously written and expertly played, yet lacks the required emotional punch. Instead, I want them to get back to what they do best \u2013 which they duly do on the closing title track. It reminds me a lot of Fall Out Boy circa \u2018Take This To Your Grave\u2019<\/i>, but considering that\u2019s an album choc-full with massive, dancefloor-filling anthems, I\u2019d say that\u2019s no bad thing. <\/p>\n

Overall, it means \u2018Empires\u2019<\/i> is a real statement of intent. It\u2019s every bit as good as you hoped \u2013 and when a band is getting hyped from all directions, that\u2019s a difficult feat to achieve. Now, with 2 EPs under their belts, let\u2019s see if they can repeat the trick on a full-length. No pressure boys\u2026<\/p>\n

4.5\/5<\/p>\n

\u2019Empires\u2019<\/i> by The Gospel Youth<\/b> is out now on Speaking Tongues<\/b>.<\/p>\n

The Gospel Youth<\/strong> links: Facebook<\/a>|Twitter<\/a>|Bandcamp<\/a><\/p>\n

Words by Rob Mair (@BobNightMair<\/a>)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019ve been paying attention to Already Heard, or other blogs and websites devoted to up-and-coming music, then you\u2019ll know there\u2019s a huge amount of buzz around Brighton\u2019s The Gospel Youth. 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