EMPRESS AD RELEASE NEW VIDEO “INVISIBLE CONDUCTOR”; DEBUT ALBUM ‘STILL LIFE MOVING FAST’ OUT SEPTEMBER 2ND VIA ROADRUNNER / THE END RECORDS

Formed by brothers Oliver (guitars and vocals) and Alex Loring (bass) and Edd Unwin (drums), the telepathic nature of EMPRESS AD’s songwriting emerged after they decided that instead of pandering to trends, they would write music that they truly loved. They decided to follow their instincts. When the band grew to include Tom Meadon (guitars) the puzzle was complete. Their music was ready to grow.

Having taken time to quietly and carefully hone their style, EMPRESS AD wrote an arsenal of songs that veer from an expansive, progressive sound to an aggressive, controlled roar. Next, they spent two years touring extensively with the likes of Baroness, Kvelertak, Bring Me The Horizon, Arcane Roots and Cancer Bats. Now, however, the Berkshire natives are ready to take on more. Much more.

With a history of studio experience, Alex Loring in particular was determined to create the best album he possibly could. The whole band agreed that if they were to fight the good fight for proper musicianship then there could be no compromise. Their decision to pool their money and spend their life savings on the recording of their debut album resulted in much interest but they decided to sign with the label that is home to many of their heroes.

Recorded in the UK with experienced New York-based producer, Andrew Schneider (Cave In, Pelican, Old Man Gloom), the words that keep cropping up are “atmosphere” and “feeling.” Their method of recording the music live, quickly, and as organically as possible has led to noticeable nuances within the record – details for the listener to pick up on after repeated plays – but, more importantly, it has led to the kind of natural feel to the music that cannot be replicated with a couple of extra weeks tweaking behind the scenes.

After the looping intro piece, ‘Still Life Moving Fast’, comes first single ‘Invisible Conductor’ and it’s as heavy as hell itself. One of the first songs written for the album, it’s one of the more straightforward songs on EMPRESS AD, but they promise “there is much proggier stuff to come.” There’s nothing straightforward about that song. Getting even weirder, however, is ‘On My Return’, which sees those previously-mentioned little nuances in abundance. Littered amongst menacing drums that give way to soaring, soothing vocals and the kind of timeless melodies, you’ll have to take time to find them, but when you do, you’ll have full faith in the future of British rock music.

The result is a debut album for the ages. With lyrics that focus upon suggestive metaphors for the intangible minutiae of everyday life rather than relationships and lost love, this is a band of musicians as focused upon grooving together as one as they are on their songwriting and being able to relate to fans on an emotional level. Soothing and utterly crushing in turn, EMPRESS AD’s music juxtaposes gentle harmonies with frantic ferocity; relaxed strumming followed by thrashy beats, time signature changes and other meanderings that you’ll just have to find out about for yourself.

Alex Loring – bass
Oliver Loring – vocals, guitars
Tom Meadon – guitars
Edd Unwin – drums

The album’s artwork (below) was created by San Francisco artist Seth Curcio.