Ghost of the Russian Empire - With Fiercest Demolition

Ghost of the Russian Empire
With Fiercest Demolition

This is a stunning debut EP that immediately made me sit up and take notice. Your gut reaction may be to peg Ghost of the Russian Empire as a federation of Muscovites who love playing Radiohead-influenced music. Instead, the quartet hails from the “frigid tundra of central Texas” and I’d say that their music reminds me more of several 80s shoegazer bands like MBV, Ride, and Lush with vocals that sound like Aaron Espinoza of Earlimart. Doves and The Delgados might be other touchpoint comparisons.

Certain songs like “Nov 2070″ have the sort of thumping darkness and distant chill that Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and the Dandy Warhols love to traffic in. There is a deep enveloping haze that permeates their music, with a driving beat behind all of it. A futuristic indie-rock soundtrack to Philip K. Dick or William Gibson. This is much better than many of the Interpol-ish bands coming out of England and Europe.

Ok, I have to admit that “Psychomedicated” DOES remind me an awful lot of Thom Yorke. But I’ll take this kind of homage any day of the week over bands that just copy Radiohead outright. “With Fiercest Demolition” is a delicious EP filled with great, swirling songs that you shouldn’t miss listening to.

Band Members:
Mike Plata - drums, percussion
Ruben Anchondo - guitar/bass
Jason Pike - guitar/bass
Brandon Whitten - guitar/vocal

Band Website:

www.ghostoftherussianempire.com

by Palebear