It's been a while now since Emma Conquest first appeared on the scene, pushing their wares at Whitby (1995, if I recall correctly). Their self-financed debut CD 'The Lunatic Of Substance EP', won them a large number of fans and proved that there were new places to go with a drum machine, a guitar and a keyboard. Since that release, the guys have mainly been concerning themselves with live performances - making a name for themselves pretty much across the country - and even managing to steal the show on the final night of the Easter Whitby earlier this year (this despite having to play first, and being pitted against the much fancied - but off-form - The Tortured).
The purpose of this tape is mainly to let us all know that they're still around, and that they're still improving. The first track is an alternative mix of the song which appeared on the final 'Sweet Music' compilation CD, 'Such Pretty Things'. It's a great-shimmering beast of a song, awash with pop-splendour, pomp and circumstance. And the two following tracks - 'Of Dreams & Years Lost', and 'Magician, Magician' - continue in pretty much the same vein: excellent vocals, a very mature sense of arrangement and orchestration (well beyond their tender years!), and - most importantly - highly listenable.
The highlight of the cassette is saved until last however, with the brilliant cover of Kylie's finest moment: 'Confide In Me' (according to Ryan, there were a host of bands queueing up behind EC to cover this - including Manuskript, Sins Of The Flesh, and These Crimson Dreams). This is probably Emma Conquest's first perfect moment - all the bleeps, and guitars, and notes are absolutely spot-on, and the whole thing couldn't sit together any tighter if it were vacuum-sealed. Monumental.
The debut-album, Gemini Bound, should be out by the end of the year. Anticipate it with eagerness. (PB)
[1997]
