The Uncarved Block
The Magazine dedicated to Unsigned
and Independent-Label bands
Empty Friend
"Falter EP" by Empty Friend
Empty Friend return with their second EP "Falter" that was released at the end of February 2019, after teasing two singles during the end of 2019. This EP is more than just a follow up to 2018s "Saltwater EP" (see our review below) because the band have upped their game. They have kept that swagger and groove that underpins the tracks, but have unleashed an edgier tone to the guitar, as though Ryan O'Hare has put his axe through the grinder, sharpening it to a point where it cuts through the rhythm, more akin to Tom Morello's (RATM) sound.
"You Are Not The Sun" is the EP's opening track: it's punk tempo and thundering drums (played by Karl Morgan) are a real punch in the face! With power chord riffs, and Dave Kirk belting out the vocals, this is a real head banger; but a fantastic funky bass middle section (played by Dave Norman) gives us a brief moment to catch our breath, before the guitar races back in once more.
"Draw the line" follows next, with more of a darker grunge feel with plenty of distortion on the guitar as the riff hooks you and reels you in. It's a song we can all relate to, having had enough and making the decision to do something about it. Half way through the energy explodes as Dave screams out he's "taking it back!" (and he sounds like he means it). The song takes on a new dimension from here on, with a well worked solo before the big finish.
This leads perfectly into "No light" which starts where the previous song finishes. The frantic intro suddenly quietens in order to let Dave sing over the deep bass and drums, and then the guitar returns at full volume. The dynamics of this song really stand out: a dark and moody verse, breaking into the loud, riff-heavy chorus with stirring vocals throughout.
"Neon," the second single released in January 2020, starts with a slower tempo, as the bass leads the melody, whilst feedback and delay on guitars adds a spiky accompaniment. Another slow, dark and moody feeling song, slowly yet patiently builds the tension, as Dave sings "Waiting" we feel the song is moving somewhere different. And we aren't disappointed! More power chords and high energy await us before it cuts out as quickly as it arrived, leaving the bass and drums to both taunt and entertain us with that slow groove...... "Waiting".....then a rumble of drum-thunder heralds the return of the power riff. This is another well structured song - allowing the instruments to each tell their separate story, coming together for the chorus and ending.
A funky wah-wah guitar interlude (entitled "Segue") leads us into the title track "Falter," which was first released as a single in December 2019. This is surrounded by a more classic heavy metal atmosphere, and when that bass smacks you in the face (in contrast to the opening track, where it was the guitar's job) you feel welcomed into this world of fuzz guitar crunch and doom-laden bass. The song gets more complex, with the drums keeping it alive and kicking, displaying that "Empty Friend" swagger. Dave's vocals have an almost Ozzy Osbourne tone in this song, matching the Black Sabbath vibe throughout the track.
"Your day's going to come when you falter and run!
Empty Friend (from L-R):
Karl Morgan (drums)
Dave Kirk (vocals)
Dave Norman (bass)
Ryan O'Hare (guitar)
Empty Friend have built up quite a following in the London underground scene, not least with the collective "Civil War" setting up gigs in Camden and the iconic Hope And Anchor, in Islington. They recorded this EP in the summer of 2019 with Producer Tom Hill (Modern Rituals) at Bookhouse Studios in South London. It has since received plenty of airplay in the UK and overseas, as their popularity increases In fact during late 2019 they were signed up by MAS Records for their Band Development Program (supported by Patrons Robert Plant [Led Zepellin] and Ricky Wilson [Kaiser Chiefs]). With talk of debut album on the horizon, we can look forward to more rock domination from this fantastic band.
Andy
"Saltwater EP" by Empty Friend (2019 review)
It all starts with a little feedback........and then the groovy bass line kicks in, with the drums driving it along, mean and dirty. A reverb-fueled guitar riff tantalisingly calls to you, whilst the vocals demand your full attention, building up the atmosphere with some howling guitar effects, before ripping into the chorus. This is "Hanging On," the first track on the debut EP by Empty Friend. A fitting song to begin with, shows the range of influences that have been infused into the Empty Friend sound. You can hear glimpses of Alice In Chains and Soundgarden in the mix, but with extra swagger.
The band consists of Dave K. on vocals, Ryan O. on guitar, Dave H. on bass and Karl M. on drums, whilst their name is taken from the title of an album track by LA alt-rockers Failure. The band are full of energy on stage and noticeably have fun, drawing the audience in during live gigs, and this is fully encapsulated in the second track on the EP - the fast-paced "Save Me From Myself," that keeps the foot tapping and the head banging.
"Live To Please" offers a more blues-rock guitar intro that grinds along much in the style of The Black Keys - raunchy and dirty - before breaking into a frenetic chorus of power chords and heavy bass action, interspersed with more dirty blues, building up and breaking down, providing the perfect background for Dave K to demonstrate his howling vocals.
"Meet My Maker" twists the style once more, with some edgier, more 'metal' guitar and bass riffs belting out over some complex drumming patterns. Dave K. proves he can effortlessly adapt his voice to whatever the band demand, already ranging from blues to grunge to metal in this EP alone.
Rounding off the EP is the title track "Saltwater." An epic 7 and a half minutes, it drives on relentlessly, giving more grunge swagger, heavy riffs, wailing solos and soul-stirring vocals, reminiscent, in style and structure, of songs from the classic album "Throwing Copper" by Live. The song builds through quieter moments, into a chorus that makes you grit your teeth and screw up your lip whilst you pose in front of the mirror, imagining yourself in front of a vast crowd of writhing figures, all hanging on your every word. There is a feeling of accomplishment in this EP, as the band bring together many aspects of varied guitar styles, and brilliantly mould it into their own grunge niche.
The EP was released in Spring 2018, and new material is expected for the end of 2019, the first single of which is called "Falter." The band demonstrate how they've grown their sound with this latest track, showcasing the familiar fuzz guitar tones and growling bass with more prowess and a deeper tone. If this is the sign of things to come, then be prepared for the next EP, which will be reviewed right here on The Uncarved Block.
Andy