What we're listening to

We like to think that we are a band with a diverse taste in music, and often get asked what bands make up the 'Empire Affair sound'. So, here is a little insight to what we are listening to right now:

Darren (drums)
Two Door Cinema Club - Cigarettes in the Theatre
The Maccabees - No Kind Words
Two Door Cinema Club - I Can Talk

Jack (guitar)
The Killers - Miss Atomic Bomb
Spector - Chevvy Thunder
Arcade Fire - Rebellion (Lies)

Matt (guitar)
Tellison - Say Silence (Heaven and Earth)
Pearl Jam - Love Boat Captain
Blink 182 - Ghost on the Dance Floor

Neil (vocals)
Ellie Goulding - Hanging On
The Killers - Shot at the Night
Daniel Merriweather - Red

Tom (bass)
Drenge - F*ckabout
TV on the Radio - Mercy
M83 - Echoes of Mine

Review - Nerve Magazine

Since their formation in 2011 Empire Affair have got around a bit in Bournemouth, playing at venues from The Anvil to the Bournemouth o2. They have also been stretching their shows further afield; frequenting London, Southampton,and even doing a string of shows in Croatia. They have supported The Hoosiers and All The Young, and are always praised for their enthusiasm and ability to get the crowd singing.They have two EPs out, Red Light, and Sparks in the Dark and they have new songs in the works, whilst also 'taking time out from a busy 80-show summer, to work on things behind the scenes.'

Review - 360Magazine

Empire Affair is fierce. Pop, rock and alternative rolled into one. Amazing production and instrumentation smothered with clean vocals. Not just your average UK ensemble. This group has major swag and appeal as well. Can't wait to see them live! Their sound is great for advertising campaigns and movie soundtracks. Once they're proven in digital sales, major labels will be knocking down their doors. Their creativity and talent have earned them a spot on our 360 Watch List.

Live review - Bandalism Bournemouth o2 Academy by Rock Regeneration

Tonight’s big ticket sellers Empire Affair take to the stage. Having blown away all the opposition this time last year with a brilliant set and equally impressive stagecraft and attire, they open with a question – “Can You Feel It” – yes we can! Neil (vox) is in his trademark exuberant mood as he covers every inch of the stage. Behind him the band are tight and loud in a set that is note perfect. “One Night In Munich” is a highlight, and fast becoming a live favourite with its big chorus. Both Jack and Matt provide some fine guitar work alongside Tom’s bass and Darren’s hitting. The overall sound is very clean tonight which allows Neil’s vocals to shine through. There’s no let up in his dancing/jumping as he is animated almost their entire set. “Dancing On The Moon” is somewhat apt but they go out with a bang with the excellent “Tornadoes”. Another number with a big singalong chorus that doesn’t disappoint. When Empire Affair are this good there’s no-one better. The sky’s the limit!
Rock-Regeneration.co.uk
To read the review of the full night, click here.

Sparks in the Dark review - UKIndieMusic

“Empire Affair was formed in early 2011 in Bournemouth and consists of Neil Tallant (vocals), Jack Woolston (guitar), Matt Park (guitar), Tom Parrett (bass) and Darren Sheppard (drums). Recent highlights include numerous sell-out headline shows at London’s Dublin Castle, opening for chart topping band The Hoosiers, and playing to a packed Bournemouth o2 Academy.” A little introduction taken from their website! - not that they need one after listening to their EP.

After watching numerous videos of them preforming at gigs on youtube, I have come to one definite conclusion, they have a crowd-pleasing presence on stage that I am sure will fill venues in the future and that all of us, here at ukindiemusic, would love to see very soon!

The first song on their EP (sparks in the dark) was “Can’t get through”, it was filled with powerful guitar riffs that seemed fluid and unedited. This was the only unrelated song on the EP, the other three formed a trilogy depicting a story of an english man in Munich. The chorus of this particular song caused me, in particular, to tap my foot with the catchiness that it provided throughout. As we progress through the EP, in my opinion, the songs just seemed to improve more and more.

“Tornadoes” had more of a pop-rock feel to it that seemed familiar, it was never-the-less though a fantastic song. During the live performances online you can hear the audience sing along after online a couple of lines. Neil has a magical presence on the stage that the crowd can’t help but to love. This song was filled with a simple but amazing guitar rift. The lyrics are catchy and are a great listen!

“One night in Munich” continues the story told in tornadoes, this song was my favourite song on the EP by far. Throughout I just couldn’t help but do a little dance, which got quite awkward when in public! The other team members loved this song too and downloaded it straight away off of iTunes. The rhythm and beat created in this song by Tom and Darren was brilliant, fast and catchy without drowning out the true talent to the guitars (played by Matt and Jack). This is an absolute crowd pleaser that deserves to be heard by all.

The final song on the EP was “sunrise”, it concludes the story told by the last two songs. This song was the slowest of the bunch, taking a while to build up to lyrics. The song explores each layer of sound individually, then combining them together to provide another ground-breaking song. This song in particular, really demonstrates the true talent that the boys possess as a group.

This brilliant EP is available to downloaded on itunes or purchase a hard copy off of their website. The group also has some brilliant t-shirts available that look flawless. To purchase the CD (which i highly advise) visit http://empireaffair.bigcartel.com/product/cd-sparks-in-the-dark
A great job by these guys, we can’t wait for their new songs to be released. they have some true jaw-dropping potential.
Thanks for reading, 
K

http://ukindiemusic.tumblr.com/

Sparks in the Dark review - Listed Magazine

Bournemouth’s very own Empire Affair delivers uplifting indie from their most recent EP release “Sparks in the Dark”. 

The five piece have already proved their worth by supporting the likes of The Hoosiers. With prestigious venues such as the 02 Academy already under their belt, they are swiftly beginning to push their music further afield from the local area; this is impressive, but even more so by the fact that Empire Affair only formed twelve months ago.

There’s something about Neil’s lead vocals that reminds me of The Smiths very own Morrissey. 
Guitar work that initiates explosions in the sky and a mixture of menacing and chilled out melodies all emphasised and illustrated on this 4 track EP. This 4-track EP brings together the band's unique level of spirited energy with gifted melodies and banging rhythms.

They have certainly left the best track till last, with 'Sunrise' being a personal favourite. 
The band have cleverly left it simple and chilled out, as it really captivates the listener and perfectly brings the ultimate come down to a very much highly energized EP. 

http://www.listedmagazine.com/Bournemouth/News/News+-+Music/Empire+Affair%3A+Sparks+in+the+Dark+EP/28656.html

Sparks in the Dark review - Bournemouth Echo

BOURNEMOUTH indie rockers Empire Affair are building up an impressive CV.

Having played numerous shows across the southcoast and London and supported the likes of The Hoosiers, the quintet has picked up quite a following and it’s not hard to see why.

Atmospheric opener Can’t Get Through builds in tension before an uptempo beat drops in but it is only when the band fully gives into their pop persuasions they really come into their own.

Tornadoes is seriously catchy and cohesive. The song demands your attention and it is impossible not to give it.


One Night in Munich is a thumping, anthemic number that you could easily imagine pumping your fist along to at a festival.

While melodic closing song Sunrise showcases frontman Neil Tallant’s soaring vocals at their very best.

http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/leisure/music/local_bands/10056648.Empire_Affair___Sparks_in_the_Dark_____/