Empathy Test is one of my favorite new artists of 2014 and their 2nd release this year, the new Throwing Stones EP only solidifies that bold statement.
The U.K. synthpop duo fuses some electronic and R&B as well for a defined, cohesive sound they’ve already developed on these first two projects. It’s impressive how polished they are and between Throwing Stones and the debut Losing Touch, I have had these guys in rotation consistently ever since the summer.
Following the model of Losing Touch, the Throwing Stones EP starts with the title track and begins the paralleled 4-track project. As I touched on in the post of the song, the imagery is captivating, especially on the hook. The added synth layer here makes it the strongest element of a song that’s been steady in the playlist since October.
“Here Is The Place” takes a somewhat somber start even more that direction as it describes the place where he will rest. There’s a relatable factor for those attached to their hometown and depending on that nostalgia, you may like this more than the others.
“Holding On” is my favorite track of the project featuring the strongest chorus and the strongest synths individually. This one has racked up the repeats and its ambiguity also creates multiple ways for the listener to connect with the song. The structure of the song also allows the production to shine in its solo moments (and shine it does.)
Finally, the non-previewed track of the EP is “Hope For Me” — a fitting conclusion that lyrically feels connected to the song prior and the project as a whole. This is probably the most direct a relationship record to relate to on the project. The triumphant end synths and eerie, female wave vocal is a phenomenal ending to the song and EP. You can really feel like it’s a conclusion.
And with that, I think you now know what to do. I hope the guys continue to grow Stateside; after all, they are signed with Brooklyn electronic indie label Stars & Letters and all the above music is on iTunes & Spotify. We hope to see them in Chicago come Lollapalooza 2015 — they’d be the perfect group for the annual Hard Rock Cafe after-party weekend (see: 2014). Or hey, perhaps even sooner!
*Tibs Fav. on all 4 tracks (“Holding On” all-caps *TIBS FAV. status)
P.S. Love all the artwork for each song. Peep their Soundcloud or my tweet.