Empathy Test - Demons / Seeing Stars

I haven't heard from Empathy Test since back in 2014 when we at Brutal Resonance were all up in a blaze over their Throwing Stones EP. Kjetil found it to be a fucking masterpiece with other crew weighing in and throwing their full support behind the electropop duo. They were dreamy, moody, and presented four tracks that absolutely blew our minds. But I haven't heard from Empathy Test since then and I found that quite bothersome so I decided to check up on them. I wanted to see how they were doing, if they posted any photos of any of their beloved cats or dogs (if they have any), or if they had been throwing any wild parties without first inviting me. 

And, well, as fate should have it as soon as I looked at their Facebook page BAM. There it was. A brand new, shiny, and sexy as Hell two track EP just waiting for my ears to feast upon. Now, this EP serves as but a taste for the forthcoming debut album which after hearing serves as a long, festering tease that just needs to be over with so I can get my hands on the full album instead. Nonetheless, since this is what I am presented with I shall be talking of it. 

Demons / Seeing Stars is a two track EP with two wonderful and momentous tracks. The only thing that I could think of upon listening to these two tracks was the film Drive which had one of the best soundtracks in the history of film. Empathy Test does not appear on that soundtrack, but they deserve to be and Demons / Seeing Stars sound like they belong wedged right on the official soundtrack. Also, if you don't know what Drive is and can't relate to this comparison, stop what you're doing and go watch that film you heathen. 

Empathy Test takes the best of 80s synthpop, queues from Darkwave, and the flare from modern pop and combine it into the most beautiful package in the world. 'Demons' is a love/romance track all about that one person who can satisfy your life, your dreams, and get rid of every single one of your worries. I'm no romantic, but I know that feeling and hearing it sung in such a fashion that doesn't make the theme feel cheesy or overdone is quite relaxing. The second track 'Seeing Stars' is no letdown either. Not as lyrically smart and a little repetitive in stanzas, 'Seeing Stars' perfectly captures the gloomy electronic-fare that Empathy Test's fans have come accustomed to. 

Empathy Test are barely showing their teeth for the next album with two tracks that might make the cut on their debut. However, if there's anything you should know about the next album it's presented on these two tracks; they sound better than they ever have before and will probably outdo their previous work - if that's even possible. Keep your eyes and ears open. 
Sep 20 2016