This long-awaited third album has set sail on the airwaves as New Empire performed the whole album live for the first time this Easter weekend at Easterfest – one of Sydney’s seasonal festivals. Heralding the New Year by signing with Tooth & Nail Records, it’s been an exciting journey leading up to the recent release of In A Breath.
Opening with the Tale of Jonah, the album sets up a conversation about the struggles of life that we go through. The track takes hold of the beloved story of Jonah, who disobeys God’s orders and, as a result, is swallowed by a whale to re-evaluate his decision. This track talks about those moments in life where we find ourselves in moments were we’re wondering what we did right and what we did wrong. This opening track is enthusiastic and takes you on the journey of being thrown to and fro by the waves of life.
The Sun Won’t Sleep follows through with a strong beat and Jeremy’s vocals seem to resound from wall to wall. But for this song, the lyrics and the drumbeat are what really capture your senses which is great, because by the time their first single, Relight Fire, hits the speakers, you’re pumped and ready to go. Their first single talks about the coldness that comes with the emptiness of life. The searching nature of the lyrics is complimented well by the rhythm of the drumbeat. On the other hand, their latest single, Say It Like You Mean It, powers through the speakers with a really funky piano melody that calls your attention. The song has an 80s feel to it, leaving you in another time zone.
The album’s title track, In A Breath, decelerates into a simple and pulled-back track that leaves you listening to the lyrics about how fleeting life is. It’s a celebration of life and an acknowledgement of how preciously quick it is. The drums kick back in for the sixth track, Wise Fox, which creates a beautiful image of clinging to the unseen treasures of this earth. It cautions living in freedom and warns you of the uncertain superficiality that may enslave you in this life.
Fallen Soldiers is a fuller song that leaves you breathless. It talks about the end of war and destruction. After all the fighting has ceased, this track raises the white flag and waves it high, not to surrender, but to bring in peace. After fighting the good fight, it is finished. There’s a battle cry that resounds and fades into the cry of amity in this track. This is my favourite song on the album.
Left Behind then takes another turn towards the 80s as the techno-feel of this generation is exposed to psychedelic tones throughout the verses. Going on with the theme of camaraderie, it talks about standing side by side with those you do life with – when one falls, we all fall; but we all get up again. The ‘spoken-word’ element of the song creates a different feel, I’m not too sure if all of it is executed well, but the lyrics in themselves are very powerful.
As the album starts to draw to a close, A Little Braver slows things done again into a beautiful piano-based track. Talking about losing a loved one due to the circumstances of life and coming out a stronger person after the heartache, it’s a beautiful testament to the strength that comes from overcoming trials in life. This track is definitely another one of my favourites.
Outside The Brightest closes the album with the same piano base that its preceding track did. The strong drumbeat that dominates this album make its appearance once more, but I’m drawn in by the beautiful vocals that rain down on you with an epic array of heavenly overlays. It’s a beautiful way to close an album.
Overall, the album is a beautiful compilation of what it means to be human. It’s been well worth the wait, and I recommend this album for the times you’re chillin’ and just thinking about life. It’s a great soundtrack to listen to as you take walks or even if you’re just hanging out with friends. The album also comes with an acoustic version of their first single, Relight The Fire.
Star Rating: ★★★★
Purchase In A Breath on iTunes or Koorong (ships internationally).
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