Robots and Empire - Color Touches
Rating
RIYL
Black SabbathTorche
Cave In
Release Date
05/26/2009
Label
Glacial RecordingsTracklist
Rush At Burnt SiennavilleTime Like Machines
The Grapes
Return to Blorphin River
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Robots and Empire took the less traveled route when confronted with the fork in the hardcore road. The New York band is decidedly sans-screams and strictly mid-tempo, a significant contrast from the tough guy brutality that resides in today’s genre bolsheviks. The band doesn’t seem to care that their style won’t bring them instant financial gratification, however, and they already have two full lengths and one EP to back that fact up. Who really needs the money when you’re running a sound as solid as theirs anyway?
The latest addition to the band’s discography is the 4-track EP Color Touches. The mini-album is a continuation of their beloved brand of music, though everything sounds tighter and catchier than what was recorded on past releases. “Rush At Burnt Siennaville” jump starts the show with the most accessible track on the record as the first half plays almost like an indie anthem led by wailing heavy metal vocals. It morphs into more menacing hardcore half way through, though, setting the tone for the rest of the disc with beautiful chugging, which is music to the ears (again, it never breaks into screams despite the seemingly appropriate atmosphere). “Time Like Machines” is a fun 3 minute display of lovable guitar work, and “The Grapes” sounds like a collision between the vocals of Extol and the dissonant sludge sound of Torche. Then you have the best saved for last as “Return To Blorphin River” tells listeners, “My world dissolving as we speak!” over the most rollicking riff motif of the album.
Some further experimentation wouldn’t be unpleasant; perhaps the band could venture into more quiet territories or into some more drastic tempo changes. Still, listeners better take this EP to heart as preparation for what is to come. If anything, Robots and Empire have given but a very short glimpse into the future of hardcore – one that just might be under their dominion soon enough.
--Matthew Tsai
Comments
Coopersburg, PA
anyone remember when these dudes were called When Dreams Die?
Solid Lines
Lehigh Valley, PA
I do Nick. This is a pretty decent disc so far.
Coopersburg, PA
I'm listening to the stuff on myspace right now, it's definitely pretty decent - better than When Dreams Die anyway. 9 orders played with these dudes a few years ago but it was hard to get a feel for their music live, I'm into it though.
Solid Lines
Lehigh Valley, PA
Nick where was that show at? I feel like I may have been there.
Coopersburg, PA
It was in upstate New York somewhere...Johnstown, I think the town was called. One of the many shows we played where we drove like 3 or 4 hours to play for like 20 kids haha.
Solid Lines
Lehigh Valley, PA
I feel like they played at the Globe, I can't remember. Too much booze.
Boston
I really like this EP and their last album Omnivore, but I caught them live in NYC and the show was not so good (to be nice). I don't know if the sound guy wasn't doing well or they were just having an off night, but I think they're WAY better on record anyway.
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