They say rock is dead. They say it for about forty years already – roughly since MTV started showing more advertising than music. Rock survived punk, grunge, Britpop, the Pro Tools era and the TikTok era. It survived everyone who wrote about its death. And here – with guitar slung over shoulder – Louis Emory and The Reckless Few appear with new EP “The Siege”. The siege continues. Troy, New York state – not the most romantic place on the map. Not Los Angeles with its palms and self-admiration, not Nashville with its cowboy hats and pre-packaged stories of broken hearts. Troy – industrial city, it saw better times and is not shy to talk about it. And surely this fact contributed to the fact that Louis Emory’s music is sincere and confidential.
Debut EP “Love Italy” of 2022 – gathered enthusiastic reviews from critics and got into the field of vision of The New York Times – after such the group could easily go the proven path. Repeat the successful formula: a pinch of Italian romance, aroma of travels, historical references and light touch of nostalgia. Emory made a harder choice. And as they themselves explain: “The Siege is a transitional EP… we wanted to offer even stronger songs that people could really relate to, without being painted into any corners.” The new release demonstrates the best sides of the collective that they achieved: sincere lyrics and recognizable vocal, rolling bass, guitars sound wide and cinematic, and drums hold the rhythm with springy, physical insistence. In “The Siege” there are many full-blooded hits that you will whistle after listening.
The EP opens with the title track – from the first chords you recognize their style, which is distinguished by inimitable expressiveness. “The Siege” bursts in with juicy bass part and guitar riff. Organ textures increase the volume, hooks cling tightly, and powerful backing vocal enhances the effect of internal siege. But the main thing – the line around which the entire philosophical framework of the EP is built: «It’s not in the stars, but in our hearts». Shakespeare reworked into a rock hymn. Fate against will. Stars against decisions. From this anchor point the record unfolds organically and without haste. From the dense, philosophical atmosphere of the EP with noticeable acceleration bursts out “Do What I Want To Do” – a track that throws open the windows. It has more air and boldness. Rock and roll freedom sounds like a decision made against. Where the title track pressed and demanded, here creative freedom appears. A song about the right to one’s own choice. The drive is joyful, slightly reckless, with energy that makes you lower the window in the car and turn up the volume. Sustained guitars, expressive drums and synthesizers harmoniously converge in one sound.
From this state – bright, warmed by the sun and elusive – “Cortona” reminds of a soundtrack to a film shot on film: with soft grain, long shadows. The song – dedication to a small Tuscan town and love. The musical line unfolds unhurriedly: vocal enters gently, and delicate string picking scatters bright accents like glares on old stone walls. Music video shot in Cortona with participation of Emory and his wife Rhiann promises to become an ideal visual addition – and judging by how the song is written, Italian landscapes there will be a full-fledged character. In the tangible warmth of “Cortona” – connecting link between debut “Love Italy” and the group’s new stage. Thus “Prophets Said” returns tension – denser sound and harsh delivery, skepticism – it is felt between the lines. It seems that Emory tests for strength the external world and own convictions. Rock song that does not entertain, but disturbs – in the good sense of the word. Like a pinch of pepper in a sweet dish.
From this unease the EP moves to more personal and vulnerable. “Time Keeps Passing By” – story of return. Emory wrote it under the influence of wife’s support, thanks to her arguments he could return to music after he stepped away from it. Behind the personal plot – anxiety: what will happen if you put off for too long that which you came for? The song moves calmly: smooth instrumental sections, sincere and trembling vocal. The EP is completed by “Once Again” – touching rock ballad. It has an echo of classic melancholy in the spirit of George Harrison, ability to speak about death without tragedy. Song about loss and memory when departed people continue to live in thoughts and memories.
It is obvious that longtime fans of Louis Emory and The Reckless Few and connoisseurs of great music the EP will delight very much! “The Siege” radiates special magic that will leave a very pleasant aftertaste regardless of whether this record is liked entirely. If rock is experiencing a siege, then only from inside. And judging by “The Siege”, it has no intention of surrendering.
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