Empire エンパイア EP by Kasabian: A Gritty Slice of Indie Rock Magic
Let’s cut to the chase—Kasabian’s Empire エンパイア EP is one of those records that doesn’t try too hard but still punches you right in the feels. Released back in 2006 in Japan under BMG and Kasabian’s own label, this little gem packs a punch with its raw energy and jagged edges. It’s indie rock at its finest, unapologetically messy yet oddly magnetic.
The opening track, "Empire (Jags Kooner Remix)", hits like a freight train. You know when something just grabs you? Like, it doesn’t even ask for permission—it just barges into your brain and sets up camp. That remix by Jagz Kooner adds this hypnotic, almost danceable layer to an already killer tune. The bassline throbs like a heartbeat, and Sergio Pizzorno’s lyrics are cryptic enough to make you wanna scribble them down on a napkin or whatever’s nearby. Honestly, I couldn’t get the chorus outta my head for days after hearing it. It’s not perfect, but who cares? Imperfection makes it real.
Then there’s "Black Whistler". Oh man, this one sneaks up on ya. At first, it feels like a moody interlude, all brooding synths and whispered vocals. But then Darren Morris’ instrumentation kicks in, adding these lush strings that catch you off guard. It’s haunting, kinda cinematic—like walking through an empty city at night, feeling small but alive. There’s this moment where everything swells together, and you’re just… gone. Totally transported. If you’re into tracks that feel more like experiences than songs, this one’ll do it for ya.
What sticks with me about this EP isn’t just the music itself—it’s how human it feels. Yeah, Jim Abbiss produced most of it, and Andy Wallace mixed some parts, so technically it’s polished where it counts. But beneath all that, you can hear the sweat, the grit, the late-night studio sessions. These guys weren’t chasing perfection; they were chasing vibe. And damn if they didn’t nail it.
Here’s the thing though—listening to Empire エンパイア EP made me realize something weird. Music doesn’t always have to mean something big or deep. Sometimes, it’s just about hitting play and letting the noise take over. This record reminded me why I fell in love with indie rock in the first place: it’s flawed, unpredictable, and kinda beautiful because of it.
Oh, and fun fact—the liner notes were written by 斉藤真紀子 (Makiko Saito). Don’t ask me what she said ‘cause my Japanese is trash, but her words look poetic as hell. Just saying.
So yeah, give this EP a spin if you haven’t already. It might not change your life, but it’ll definitely change your mood. Or maybe it’ll just remind you that sometimes, chaos sounds pretty damn good.
