Spins: The Empty Pockets • Gotta Find The Moon
The Empty Pockets
Gotta Find The Moon
(Self)
Chicagoland-based, roots-rock quartet The Empty Pockets just released their latest studio effort Gotta Find The Moon. The follow-up to their 2022 Billboard #1 (blues album chart) Outside Spectrum.
Members Josh Solomon (Guitar), Erika Brett (Keyboards), Nate Bellon (Bass), and Adam Balasco (drums) recorded the 14 tracks at the famed Abbey Road Studios.
“Singing into the same microphone Paul McCartney once used to track vocals melted my brain a little bit, and that same feeling also brought out the absolute best performances from the whole band,” says Brett.
The title track Gotta Find The Moon packs a punch with angular rhythm guitar and blended vocal harmonies reminiscent of ’90s alternative rock. “Make It Though” is a catchy number where the chorus has a certain 60’s brit-pop phrasing that is easy to sing along to.
The single, “Shocked By An Electrician,” is a powerhouse, no-holds-barred blues-rock number where Erika belts out the disappointment of a woman not finding love. “Shocked by an electrician, tricked by a magician, interest by a banker, played by a musician”.
Track eight exhibits their various styles. “I Put Your Name In A Song” has a fresh lyrical voice where Josh pays homage to his love. Backed by his solo acoustic guitar, he plays traditional jazz guitar phrases to a slower, bouncy rhythm that hints at Joe Pass.
“Unknown Unknowns” is intricate with a climbing and descending, slightly quirky Squeeze-esque hook that plays to the lyrics. The storytelling of a loner using smart wordplay built on the title’s meaning.
“Daylight” is folk-rock that ends in a full-tilt, glorious crescendo with gospel-style vocal ease and tasty relative minor guitar licks throughout the ending vamp.
Whether the quaint torch song “Sour Lime” or the swampy romp “Typhoid Mary,” the music holds up. As diverse as their styles, consistent throughout are impressive vocal harmonies, bright, crisp arrangements, thoughtful melody, and smart lyrics. Above all, solid, soulful, and heartfelt.
