“It’s honest rock music and song writing,” confides frontman Craig Cahill. “We try to be as honest to ourselves and to the song writing process as we can.”
A concoction of The Smiths, Jeff Buckley, Brit-pop, classical and metal influences have been melded together in the music of Dublin-based outfit Red Empire. Forming in 2009, Craig Cahill, Richie Connolly, Deco Connolly, Gar McCarthy and Damien Allen released their anticipated debut album Inhale in February 2016. The LP showcased their soft, intimate, piano based sound.
However, the group are a completely different animal when it comes to live performances. Craig confesses that they have no interest in their live songs sounding the same as they do on record. “Versions are different, parts are extended, solos and intros vary,” he declares. “It’s a rock show – you have to keep people interested. The sound we’re going for live is very in-your-face. It’s very different to the album.”
The band are embarking on a mini-tour in July, with six dates across five different counties. The singer admits that the Dublin show at Whelan’s on July 16 is the one he’s looking forward to most. “It’s just a lovely setting. We all wanted that tight, gritty feeling when everyone is packed into a room together,” he admits.
For the remaining half of the year, Red Empire are planning to get back into the studio to work on their follow-up record.
See: Red Empire play live at The Malt House, Athlone (July 8); Carranstown Lodge (15);, Whelan’s, Dublin (16); and MusiBar, Sligo (22)
Hear: Debut album Inhale is available now.