Terribly Empty Pockets (US) – Get Wet
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Name: Terribly Empty Pockets Album: Get Wet Released: August 2006 Band members: |
I stumbled upon the Terribly Empty Pockets after getting a tip from a friend about some mp3 uploading site. Upon first listen, I was immediately hooked and continued to be for the following five consecutive listens. Trying to describe them is rather difficult; since they weave such a rich display of influence it becomes difficult to point each one out. As is the case with many indie musicians, all of these influences are worn on the sleeve, but the ease in which they surpass, blend, and mix the limits is their selling point.
The first song, Boys Club, is an upbeat foot stomper with energetic guitar strumming, clean, quick drum beats, and a voice that sounds a lot like David Byrne. It’s a fast paced number that never stops to catch its breath, always changing tempos from chorus to verse but with a fluidity that makes you wonder how this could be a band’s debut album. The song has a very lively attitude about it, and as the song progresses, it displays a very keen sense of melody and transition. And that’s only the first song!
The rest of the EP is loaded with hooks just like the first song, and it never lets up. To try and analyze each song would be silly, as it plays like a greatest hits compilation. The one song that I do take to heart the most, however, is the last song on the album, ‘When You Die’. The lead singer’s voice is not quite as harsh as on the other songs and the duet with Ms. Sarah BB (who sings lead on ‘Brother’), coupled with the dreamy guitar and soft electric piano makes for a song to get lost in. It’s hazy, nostalgic, yet treads the fine line between being reflective and morose.
I would like to point out that all of these songs are catchy, fun, and will stay with you long after you’re done listening to them. I myself have it in rotation every day; I have honestly yet to find a fault with this album. In fact, if you don’t find yourself humming the lines from ‘Brother’ (My brother is the only son of a penniless cock eyed shrew / My brother got nothin’ much to lose / Please don’t make me choose…), I promise to fast for three days. I have so much faith in my judgment that these guys will rock the stitching off your socks I’m betting my appetite on it. So please, take a listen and enjoy it, my well-being depends on it.
<3 ~Tyler
