Building a Musical Empire

Austin’s AM Syndicate pulls together some of the best musicians in town from some of our most well known bands to create an experimental multi-piece super group. After two self-released EPs, the band traveled to Chicago this fall to record their first full-length album, Empire, with Sick Room Records.

Empire is an interesting record. Yes, “interesting” is often thrown around as a label for artistic endeavors taken on by your friends that you cannot openly shoot down for fear of destroying your social life. But in this case we mean it as a compliment. The LP is a mélange of electronic, progressive, and classical influences that intersect at a point we have never heard before. It is melodic and dark, artistic yet approachable. Not to say Empire is the easiest album to connect with. It starts with a slow, instrumental number and then jumps into the rhythm-heavy “Kicking A Sailor In The Teeth.” The ebb and flow of sound continues from there, and it took us a couple listens before everything clicked. Once it did, the violin, haunting vocals, and electric antics seemed felt organic.

Want to hear Empire for yourself? Head to Emo’s tonight for their CD release party and pick up a copy. We can’t wait to see how this translates live.

AM Syndicate with Tia Carrera, Astronautalis, and This Will Destroy You
Emo’s (Inside)
Tonight, 10 p.m.

Check out their web site and MySpace page.