Empress - Empress
by Chris Jones
published: 17 / 12 / 2001
Label:
555
Format: CD
intro
Nicola Hodgkinson has been involved with some fine bands in her musical career - bass/vocals in 'Boyracer', backing vocals for 'Hood,' and a solo effort as 'Hem'. Her latest project, Empress, venture
Nicola Hodgkinson has been involved with some fine bands in her musical career - bass/vocals in 'Boyracer', backing vocals for 'Hood,' and a solo effort as 'Hem'. Her latest project, Empress, ventures down a path that was hinted at by Hem. Sparse arrangements utilizing piano, droning keyboards, delicate guitar picking, and subdued drumming form a lovely backdrop for Nicola's breathy vocals. The songs create a minimal and daunting atmosphere, much like a desert landscape. And while the tone is definitely somber, it is also quite soothing and peaceful. Bands like 'Low' and 'Movietone' would probably feel comfortable in this setting. Originally available only on LP by the "to be watched" '555' label, it is now available on CD also in a limited edition of 500. The CD version includes the tracks from the "In the Sky" 7inch, also released by 555.
Track Listing:-
1 Planless2 All Weve Seen
3 A Very Small Step
4 Here It Isn't
5 Uphill
6 Safe
7 Don't Give Up On Me
8 Scenery
9 Hey Its Over
10 Danger I Know
11 Through It All
12 In The Sky
13 Bigger Things
14 I Am Not Cut Out Fot This
15 His Own Sense
16 No One Knows
17 A Restless Reminder
18 Cause To Doubt
most viewed articles
current edition
The Church - Interview with Steve KilbeySimon Heavisides - Destiny Stopped Screaming: The Life and Times of Adrian Borland
In Dreams Begin Responsibilities - #15- On Being Dignified and Old aka Ten Tips From Jah Wobble On How To Be Happy.
Secret Shine - Interview
Vetchinsky Settings - Interview
Repomen - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Jack Roscoe - Interview
Near Jazz Experience - Interview
Sami Sumner - Interview
Flaming Stars - Interview
most viewed reviews
current edition
Lewis 'Burner' Pugh - Bullets for BreadIan Hunter - Defiance Part 2: Fiction
Inutili - A Love Supreme
Kula Shaker - Natural Magick
Smalltown Tigers - Crush On You
Hillbilly Moon Explosion - Back in Time
My Life Story - Loving You is Killing Me
David Cross Band - Ice Blue Silver Sky
Beyonce - Cowboy Carter
Ty Segall - Three Bells
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart