Of Empires are certainly a band who are here to make a statement. Their image is slick, sexy and definitely provides a definitive spark behind their rock and roll sound. Celebrating the release of their latest EP, See You With The Angels, Kid, the band show this crowd that the classic rockstar image is by no means dead.

Attendance is good tonight, and whilst traditionally more of a club venue, The Hub is able to condense an immensely powerful sound into a simple set up. No support is needed and the crowd, perhaps enticed by a free JD & Coke token on the door, are more than prepared to have a dance to the band’s opening number. It seems that the gesture of the free drink is not the only reason for such a great turnout as there are more than a few fans in the room yelling the lyrics back at the band. Frontman, Jack Fletcher fills the entirety of the small stage and makes his presence known through a multitude of flamboyant flapping and bouncing throughout the track.

Of Empire’s punchy tones and atmospheric feel make for an incredibly strong way to start the set and the audience let out an immense cheer, amplified further due to the rooms narrowness. Bizarrely enough, for an EP launch, the majority of the tracks on tonight’s setlist haven't been released and aren’t even from the new EP. However, each offers yet another small insight into this band and the crowd are more than willing to participate.

The obvious parallels to bands such as Arctic Monkeys through the slicked back persona is there, however this does not dominate the performance. Many bands who place their priority in style and showmanship typically end up giving overly embarrassing performances as few are eager to interact. Of Empires seem to have found the perfect combination of an incredibly strong sound and a style which genuinely does add more of a badass feel to the band’s set. Image aside though, the entire band are remarkably talented and the bass lines from Liam Bewey particularly excel. They pulse brilliantly off overlaying guitar riffs, enhanceing the punchy rock and roll further. Similarly, Jack’s energy does not drop throughout the entirety of the band’s, somewhat short but sweet set, as he proceeds to clamber onto the amps, run into the crowd and hang from the room’s ceiling scaffolding, all without dropping a single note. Jack’s vocal tones hold an unmistakable level of husk to them which sounds brilliantly intense and, whilst it can suitably hold the lower notes, higher pitches are where his voice particularly shines.

The crowds energy only continues to grow with each song and tracks such as ‘Shakin’’ see the opening of dance circles with strangers and friends alike being more than happy to jump into one another. The room definitely shares a community-led buzz throughout. It is the set’s penultimate number ‘Baby Darlin’ Sugar’ which takes the pinnacle of the evening. The track’s unmistakable introduction and opening riff are enough to get the room jumping around and the entire band form together to produce a track which contains everything a modern rock band should hold. Punch, great vocals and a beat which simply demands to be danced to. A brilliant ending to a brilliant evening.

Of Empires are definitely an upcoming band with an ever growing amount of force behind their name. The band’s style makes them something that is truly memorable, something too few modern band’s have the personality to hold. Of Empires have been able to transgress such a strong image into their music in such a manner that it genuinely supplies an additional interesting dynamic. The band should be incredibly pleased with their set tonight and I’m sure they have gained more than a few new fans to share the EP with. Make no mistake, Of Empires are definitely a name to keep in mind and it will be interesting to see how these rockers continue to develop and grow over the coming years.
Ben Walker

Website: ofempires.co.uk
Facebook: facebook.com/ofempires
Twitter: twitter.com/ofempiresmusic