Live Review: Empire Within ‘Submergence’ EP Launch

​I walk up the long stairs leading up to Tomcat. I instantly notice my long grandma skirt was probably not the right choice for the occasion. Everyone else dressed head to toe in black but hey, I am comfortable 

As I wait for the gig to start, I study the room. The graffiti on the walls always has a new surprise no matter where I look, a great feature of Tomcat. Not to long after I arrive first band Lunchtime hits the stage.

I had never heard of these guys before now, but I’m eager to see what they have in store. I am instantly impressed by the band’s two female leads. Not only because they are trying to make their mark in a male-dominated genre, but also for their confidence in their stage presence and with every other aspect of how they present themselves. They both got the definitely black memo I missed out on, but they contrast it with their bright pink and blue hair. They like two young Haley Williams’ ready to take over the world.

Their guitarist is another a highlight. He is tall and lanky, a build perfectly made for his quirky dance moves. He and his bandmates encapsulate everything I love about watching live music - seeing the joy in people doing what they love. The drummer is also impressive, his constant fills bristle with energy and momentum. (My biceps hurt just looking at him).

The sound is letting the performance down though, the keyboardist has to stop an entire song just so she could hear what is being played. I can see this is particularly straining on the vocalists, as their riot grrrl-inspired unison vocals are fantastic thematically. When they have it going, they have it going. When they can’t keep together though they struggle. The keyboard is overpowering the most in the set, but as soon the keyboard player moves onto bass and everything falls into place. Besides a few issues with sound, they are still a fantastic opening act.

Whisky Grinn follows and I am again impressed. The vocalist’s unique timbre makes me feel as if I am watching a young Axl Rose. The band covers Billy Idol’s ‘Rebel Yell’ and I am brought back to my Guitar Hero: World Tour days. They are one of the most together bands I had ever seen live. Even the vocalists’ guitar string breaking fails to put a damper on the professionalism of this band. They play a few songs from their recent EP Welcome to Boomtown and even a slower track, which, of course, is greeted by a roomful of swaying phone lights.

Alaina are next. I was already told of how incredible the vocalist will be. I am not disappointed. Instantly the band demand all of the attention in the room. By the second song, a cover of ‘Teenage Dirtbag’ everyone is singing in unison. This band know how to work a cover.

The Backstreet Boys’ ‘I Want it That Way’ plays next. Seemingly straight out of a pop-goes-punk album, this was a real crowd pleaser. The band finish with original ‘I Am Not A Freak’ and then Fall Out Boy’s ‘Sugar We’re Going Down Swinging’.

The crowd’s energy levels are beyond ready for Strange Fiction. These guys are seasoned performers. Their ability to interact with the crowd is above any of bands I’ve seen before, and they solidify this with a double shoey on stage. Like the band before, they know what to cover to hype the crowd. Their Beastie Boys rendition fills the room (which is now full).

 I am beginning to feel fatigued. Five bands in one night is a huge undertaking and unusual for most venues these days. still I remain pumped for the night’s headliners, Empire Within.

As soon as Empire hit the stage, I can tell this performance will be above and beyond what I’ve seen before. Almost as soon as he is on the stage, vocalist James just as quickly jumps off it and into the crowd. He starts and then of course joins a circle pit. The band then play an Underoath cover which hits home with the crowd. They then delve into original track ‘Downtown Trodden’. It is humbling to see how receptive the room is to these originals, as well as the involvement of the crowd with the music at such a late hour. I feel a strong sense of community fill the room just as much as the music. As the crowd claps along to the band’s Enter Shikari cover, I see a man literally on the ground praising the boys on stage.

All of the group’s members seem absolutely within their element. Empire Within is a group of people who absolutely love doing what they do. Even after a few too many shoeys, the spirit in the room is never broken.
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The powerful guitars and earworm riffs of ‘The Fall’ begin. This is my favourite track off the band’s new EP. ‘Brethren’ ends the show on a high note. “Rise up!”  James exclaims. As the night finishes the room expels its capacity crowd onto the streets of Brisbane ready to rebel. I leave the venue exhausted but inspired by the bands and the overall community.

Words by Emily Hollitt