A stranger to Mancunian alt-punkers The Empty Page, until now, and I’m beginning to wonder where they’ve been my whole life. Listening to Dry Ice, the first single from their anticipated second album, sparks deep feelings of excitement and nostalgia, all wrapped up in a powerful yet danceable little number; and to say it’s been stuck in my head every day since that first listen would be no exaggeration.
Produced by Morton Kong and recorded at Eve Studios in Stockport, it sees Guitarist Giz’ energetic riffs layered with synths which take things to the next level, highlighting a progression in sound compared to their previous work, whilst still keeping their gritty, Northern vibes.
With a suitably punky yet impending introductory bass riff in tow, it immediately evokes those feelings of anticipation you get whilst getting ready for a night out, with Vocalist/Bassist Kel delivering lyrics such as ‘chips on the nightbus, you’re sick on your new shoes, but what a buzz’, basically summing up experiences most of us can relate to. The song in itself packs so much relentless energy, all the feels of going out-out come flooding back into your brain as you ‘pull on your good jeans, you are the Queen of the Freakscene’!
Inspired heavily by the emotions evoked by certain scents, (or if we want to be scientific – your olfactory memory), this track draws upon those alluring stenches you encounter on a night down town; the combination of ‘fire escape vapour’, ‘Tommy Girl’ perfume, ‘sweat’ and ‘hairspray’, all oozing with nostalgia and reminiscent of those good (or bad) times, with infectious chorus ‘the crush of the warm crowd’, conveying the pure joys of getting up close and personal with strangers in a sweaty club.
After the last couple of years we’ve had, I think we all agree that there were times during the deepest and darkest lockdowns where the mere idea of clubbing, gigs, live-music and people, were all a distant memory. Although this track was initially conceived pre-covid as a simple ode to going out and having a good time, its release right now in post-lockdown times means that its themes have never been more relevant of those yearning feelings, reflecting a sense of relief and celebrated freedom through ‘disco convulsion’.
The Empty Page have managed to create an upbeat track still feels somehow mysterious and dangerous; its harsh yet comforting, and not only does it perk you up and make you feel like you can conquer the world, it most importantly makes you excited to get dressed up, go out and hit your local scene.
The Empty Page’s as-yet-untitled, second album is due Spring 2023, and I’m very grateful they are now on my radar. I can’t wait to hear more from this exciting band! In the meantime, check out the new video for ‘Dry Ice’ and have a boogie!
Words by Megan W