Premiere: Instant Empire – “Slow to Reveal”

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Instant Empire is a rock group from Denver that formed nearly eight years ago. Since then, they have released three EPs and a couple LPs, the most recent of which – Last of the Lovers – will be released this August. The five-piece crafted an album with a concept centering around “the relentless march of time … consumed with finding grace and beauty in life’s tiny moments.”

The album is a beautiful listen, with a fairly dark theme complemented by bright and wonderfully contagious melodies. One of many highlights off the release is “Slow to Reveal”, which we’re happy to premiere. Stylistically, the track’s arsenal – with multiple vocal layers rising in intensity over shimmering guitars and an ’80s-tinged polish – reminds fondly of Deacon Blue. The hook that features the lyrics “whispers and sideways glances” is full of intensity and supremely melodic songwriting, a great demonstration of the band’s talents.

“The initial spark for this song came after spending one too many days in Vegas, and all the heat, booze, gluttony and sickness that comes with that town,” vocalist and lyricist Scotty Saunders explains. “But the song eventually took on a larger rumination on how easily we let addiction and darkness into our lives. Depending on the situations you put yourself into, or the people you surround yourself with … evil can sometimes feel tangible. ‘Slow to Reveal’ explores that idea a bit.”

Mike Mineo

I'm the founder/editor of Obscure Sound, which was formed in 2006. Previously, I wrote for PopMatters and Stylus Magazine.

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