SOUTHERN EMPIRE – Civilisation (2018)
“Civilisation” is the second album by SOUTHERN EMPIRE, and no, their name doesn’t refers to the musical style, but because they are from Australia. SOUTHERN EMPIRE play progressive rock, melodic, and with a rocking pulse.
We were really impressed at this blog with their debut album, and “Civilisation” is even better.
After de dissolution of really good band Unitopia, Sean Timms (Keyboards, Vocals, Sax, and Guitar) formed the band sometime around 2013 or so and paired up with lead Vocalist/Guitarist Danny Lopresto, present and accounted for on this second album as well.
Also returning are Cam Blokland (guitars/vocals), Jez Martin (bass/vocals), and Brody Green (drums/vocals). That’s a lot of vocals, and they use them wonderfully.
Opener ‘Goliath’s Moon’ is a great plenty of the catchy hooks and harmonies that defined the first album as well as some rocking prog to boot. This is the shortest song on the album and a great rocking tune. We are treated to some of those cool, layered vocals arrangements proper of an elaborated melodic rock album, and I really like the mix of these styles.
Up next is one of the epics on the album, ‘Cries for the Lonely’. Steve Unruh shows up here to lay down some Kansas like violin solos, along with vital lead vocals, keyboard runs and some meaty, soulful guitar solos to see us through to the end.
Travel is a big theme on ‘The Crossroads’ and we go through many musical styles over the course of this track. It is a beast of a song, indeed. And worth every minute of your time.
Then we have ‘Innocence & Fortune’ ; wow, these guys know how to do a chorus: full of harmony and melody. Another fantastic guitar solo followed by some classical keys, ala Rick Wakeman. I heard from Sean that this song has its roots in two Doctor Who episodes from Season 9: Heaven Sent and Hell Bent. Very cool. Haven’t seen them yet, but definitely plan on doing so to get a better feel for the song’s meaning.
“Civilisation” is another great, epic album from down under, and from this terrific band called SOUTHERN EMPIRE. Definitely listen with the headphones on first go around if you can. There is a lot going on here and it deserves your attention.
And if you haven’t picked up their first one yet, you need to do yourself a favor and do so!
Highly Recommended
1. Goliath’s Moon
1a. Travel
1b. Arriving
2. Cries For The Lonely
2a. Solely
2b. Bright
2c. Open Your Mind
3. Crossroads
3a. Steps
3b. Choose
4c. Stars
4. Innocence & Fortune
Danny Lopresto – lead & backing vocals, guitars
Cam Blokland – guitars, mandolin, backing vocals
Sean Timms – keyboards, guitars, percussion, backing vocals
Jez Martin – bass, backing vocals
Brody Green – drums, percussion, backing vocals
BUY IT !
www.amazon.com/Civilisation-Southern-Empire/dp/B07CPK4SR5
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