Highlighted Band: Empire Of The Sun

Background

Empire of the Sun is an Australian electronic music duo consisting of Luke Steele and Nick Littlemore. The band's unique sound is characterized by their use of dreamy synthesizers, complex drum beats, and soaring vocals that blend together to create an ethereal and cinematic soundscape. Empire of the Sun's music draws inspiration from a range of musical genres including new wave, synthpop, and electronic dance music, and their sound is often compared to that of artists like Daft Punk, M83, and The Flaming Lips.

Defining Features

One of the defining features of Empire of the Sun's music is their use of vivid and imaginative lyrics that paint a vivid picture of a fantastical world. The band's debut album, "Walking on a Dream", is a prime example of this. Released in 2008, the album features songs like "We Are the People" and "Walking on a Dream", both of which use dreamlike lyrics to create a sense of wonder and escapism. Steele's vocals on these tracks are particularly impressive, with his soaring falsetto adding an otherworldly quality to the music.

Empire of the Sun's music is also notable for its use of intricate instrumentation and production techniques. The duo's second album, "Ice on the Dune", is a great example of this. Released in 2013, the album features a wide range of musical textures and sounds, including pulsing synths, intricate percussion, and soaring strings. The result is a lush and layered sound that perfectly complements the band's ethereal lyrics.

Another hallmark of Empire of the Sun's music is their ability to craft memorable and catchy hooks that get stuck in your head long after you've stopped listening to their songs. Tracks like "High and Low" and "Two Vines" are great examples of this, with their sing-along choruses and infectious melodies. This ability to create pop hooks while still maintaining a sense of artistic integrity is what sets Empire of the Sun apart from many other electronic music acts.

Evolution

Perhaps one of the most interesting things about Empire of the Sun's music is how it has evolved over the years. While their early work was characterized by dreamy, escapist lyrics and a more straightforward approach to production, their more recent output has taken on a darker and more experimental tone. This is evident in their 2019 album, "The Astralwerks Sessions", which features a range of experimental electronic sounds and moody, introspective lyrics.

Despite these changes, however, Empire of the Sun has maintained a consistent aesthetic and identity throughout their career. Their music is still characterized by soaring vocals, dreamy synths, and imaginative lyrics that transport the listener to another world. Whether they're creating upbeat dance tracks or moody experimental pieces, Empire of the Sun's music is always unmistakably their own.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Empire of the Sun is a truly unique and innovative electronic music act that has managed to carve out a distinctive sound and style in a crowded and competitive genre. With their dreamy lyrics, intricate instrumentation, and catchy hooks, they have created a body of work that is both highly artistic and highly accessible. Whether you're a diehard electronic music fan or simply someone who appreciates great pop music, Empire of the Sun is a band that is definitely worth checking out.