Jet Black Sunrise

Formed in 2009, Jet Black Sunrise are a five piece indie pop/rock band comprising of Matt Cronin (vocals, keys), Nick Fede (vocals, guitar), Jay Schneider (vocals, bass), Matt Smith (vocals, guitar) and JC Zwisler (vocals, drums). They have have previously released an LP and an EP and have recently released a second EP titled 'Departures'.

The EP opens with a track named 'In Flight', a graceful beginning track which features light piano notes that build up to a powerful vocal and musical crescendo. The remaining minutes of the track boast a robust riff and raw vocals while the electric notes of a guitar gives it a prominent rock feel.

The second track, 'Rockview', contains gentler acoustic guitar notes which take centre stage throughout the song. The chorus is one to jam out to while the stunning guitar instrumental injects shots of colour into the song.

'Granite' has a very rhythmic beginning that is accompanied by echoing guitar notes. I feel that 'Granite' has a very winter feel, not because of the mention of snow but because it is the sort of song you imagine yourself listening to while sat by the fire as the skeleton like trees watch from the window.

'Gone' is akin to a slow lullaby presenting melodic, genial acoustic notes, while 'Run Away' encompasses a strength-giving beat, lyrics which hold your heart still and a climatic ending that shoots warmth through your veins.

You can buy the EP on Bandcamp or you can listen to it on their website.

You can also follow the band on Twitter or like their Facebook page.

em, (@emiemzy)

Empire Affair

Empire Affair was formed in Bournemouth during 2011 and consists of Neil Tallant (vocals), Jack Woolston (guitar), Matt Park (guitar and keys), Tom Parrett (bass) and Darren Sheppard (drums).  Empire Affair’s 3rd EP ‘Pangs’ was released on September the 5th and presents a fast paced indie pop feel.


The first track on the EP is 'Press Reset', a song featuring an unruly chant, harmonious lyrics and a killer beat, it raises your heart rate while building an atmosphere which the rest of the EP continues to sustain. 'Press Reset' is the sort of track that would open the set of an  phenomenal  live  performance from the boys.


Following that is 'Don't Let Me Down' which opens with a stomping beat, melodic vocals and shows the bands rockier side while mixing their staple pop feel with canorous 'ooo's. This is the tune that would get your feet moving and body dancing as the full power of this song builds up after a brief slowing of the beats.

'DNA Code' is the third song and possibly my favourite. The chorus is contagious as Tallant belt's out passionate lyrics which immediately start to circle your mind. The track has an almost soothing but upbeat electronic synth note accompanying a large majority of the song, adding a thicker feel to the song that bombards the mind with plenty of sounds to savour. 

'Forest Beyond The Tree's' is a slightly more gentle track in comparison to the rest of the EP, featuring more pop sounds and light cooing vocals. However, just because it has a gentler effect doesn't mean it has lost its atmospheric, infectious qualities which appear throughout the EP. 

The EP finishes with 'End of Disco', a climatic track with strong vocals and slow, drifting air that builds up to powerful musical release before fading out, the band has definitely finished the EP with something to talk about. 


You can either buy the album of Amazon or iTunes.
You can follow the band on Twitter, Facebook or check out their Youtube channel.

em, (@emiemzy)