Empty Lungs – Don’t Get It

By RingMaster Review on March 16, 2017 • ( 0 )

Becoming the first European artist to sign with Canadian based label Hidden Pony Records, Northern Ireland hailing outfit Empty Lungs celebrate with the release of their new EP Don’t Get It. Consisting of three punk/indie/power pop blended roars, the release is a fiercely engaging and rousing proposition more than suggesting reasons why the band is so highly regarded by a great many.

Formed in 2011 by vocalist/guitarist Kev Jones, the Belfast hailing Empty Lungs has proceeded to become a potent force in their country’s live scene and make potent inroads across the UK, Europe, and the US. Along the way they have shared stages with the likes of Japandroids, Alkaline Trio, and The Subways among many and released a host of singles and EPs. In regard to Don’t Get It, Jones has described it as “by far the best 3 songs we’ve ever written”; a suggestion hard to disagree with as its songs romp through ears and capture the imagination.

The EPs title track bursts through ears first, riffs and rhythms making a commanding and forceful invitation quickly followed by vocal unity from bassist Conor Langan and drummer Mykie Rowan led by Jones. As things settle without losing that initial energy and contagious aggression, the instinctive infectiousness of the song infests its hooks and tenacious rhythms, recalling essences of bands like The Motors and The Starjets within its own fresh proposal. With a title repeating chorus a trap impossible to resist getting involved in, the track makes a rousing start to Don’t Get It.

Next up Losing It. Finding It. ventures into more pop punk seeded territory compared to the ballsy rock ‘n’ roll of its predecessor but equally has a muscular touch and attitude to its hook lined incitement. Rhythms jab and pound as riffs growl and vocals warmly unite, tender melodies emerging from within the lively engagement of ears as the track unveils a varied and magnetic nature.

Completing the release is Fragile, a song instantly attracting an appetite for grumbling basslines with Langan’s cantankerous lure before growing into a hearty and cleverly varied blaze of sound and attitude. It mixes fiery emotion and earthy riffs with smouldering harmonies and earnest melodies, a contrasting blend creating a fluidly adventurous enticement.

It is a fine end to a richly enjoyable release, one impressing as much with the potential in its sound as the rousing prowess pleasing ears.

The Don’t Get It EP is out now through Hidden Pony Records on 7 inch vinyl and digital download through all usual retailers.

Upcoming Live Dates:

01/04 – Belfast, The Barge

07/04 – Limerick, The Loft

08/04 – Ballina, Emmets