All hail the new Empire
MUS1215 Review by Jake Steele
Empire Of The Sun - Walking On A Dream (released October 4th 2008)
http://www.myspace.com/empireofthesunsound
Walking On A Dream is one of the finest albums to grace the ears of the Australian population this year. Lush cacophonies of sounds pull the listener through a magnificent journey of epic proportions. Luke Steele’s unique vocals merge effortlessly over the tremendous thumping production of PNAU’s Nick Littlemore. From start to finish, this album is an engaging listen. Album opener Standing On The Shore introduces the sound this duo has created brilliantly, with dark brooding synth pads and guitar riding over a pumping beat , all while complimented by Steele’s powerful vocals. The first single, also named Walking On A Dream could very well be the pop hit of the summer with its feel good vibe infecting all who hear it. The tight beat production, repeating piano hits and alluring synths all unite into a sugary Sunday treat. The lyrics compliment the joyful mood of the song.
“We are always running for the thrill of it thrill of it
Always pushing up the hill searching for the thrill of it.”
The album ventures on into the sweet pop melodies of Half Mast, which slides gently into the grandiose We Are The People, the forthcoming second single. From there, the captivating Delta Bay, with its weird vocals and up tempo beat, maintains the eccentric feel before slowing things down with the lovely instrumental, Country. The World is a slow voyage through soaring vocal melodies and lush swirling synths before the awesome Swordfish Hotkiss Night comes into play. Sounding like it would be more at home on a Pharell Williams album, the track is a thumping funky listen, with Prince like grooves and Steele trying his hand at basically rapping over the top. Tiger By My Side is another album highlight, building slowly into an illustrious atmosphere and momentous chorus, truly showing off this duo’s creative collaborative efforts. The album winds down with the pleasant electronic ballad of Without You, showing off the emotive side of Steele and Littlemore’s poetry.
The album itself is an exciting package, with an impressive ‘movie poster’ type cover, and a 14 page full color booklet with amazing artwork for each song.
Walking On A Dream is a stellar productive effort for this duo’s debut album, and in this reviewer’s opinion, release of the year. One can only dream of the next colossal release from these two pop maestros’. Join the empire, now.