For the past four years, Denver-based indie rockers, Instant Empire, have been creating music with aspirations as big as their unique sound. While most IE songs are anthemic and rowdy enough to make for a raw and energetic live experience, the literate lyrics and musical complexity begs for repeated listens at home on the couch. Instant Empire’s brand of aggressive indie rock has drawn comparisons to The Hold Steady, The National, Manchester Orchestra and Bright Eyes.
Thematically, their songs relate to the zeitgeist: our struggle to overcome isolation, to connect with others, and to find meaning in our chaotic lives. The band’s sound appeals to a broad audience, but the group is unafraid to experiment sonically. Songs are highlighted by a tight rhythm section, melodically rich guitar interplay, dark synth underpinnings, and vocals that are at once urgent and passionate.
Instant Empire’s debut full-length album, Lamplight Lost (2015), was recorded and produced by John Vanderslice (Spoon, Death Cab for Cutie, Mountain Goats) at Tiny Telephone Recording in San Francisco and Jonathan Low (The War on Drugs, The National, Kurt Vile) at Miner Street Recordings in Philadelphia. Lamplight Lost comes on the heels of three previously released EPs – Instant Empire (2011); Heavy Hollow (2012); and Keep Up! (2013) – and demonstrates the band’s remarkable growth as both songwriters and musicians. Instant Empire was also recently chosen to record a single for the Grow Music Project, a non-profit organization spearheaded by acclaimed TV/film composer and producer, Chris Tyng.
The new album, Lamplight Lost, is set to drop June 23.