Empire of the Sun

Lyrics

None

If you're a fan of synth-pop, you've probably heard of Empire of the Sun. The Australian duo, comprised of Luke Steele and Nick Littlemore, burst onto the music scene in 2008 with their debut album, Walking on a Dream. The album's titular single catapulted them into international fame and they've continued to produce popular, catchy music ever since. One of the standout tracks from their 2013 album, Ice on the Dune, is "Country."

About Country

"Country" is an up-tempo, danceable track featuring Empire of the Sun's signature lush synths and Steele's soaring vocals. Lyrically, the song is somewhat enigmatic, with Steele singing lines like "I never get to sleep at night" and "I look for love in empty rooms." The ambiguity of the lyrics allows listeners to project their own meanings onto the song, making it a relatable, emotional experience.

The song opens with a pulsing beat and a snare drum playing a quick, galloping rhythm. Synthesizers quickly join in, playing chords that alternate between major and minor. Empire of the Sun has been known to incorporate elements of psychedelic rock into their music, and "Country" is no exception. The synths in the chorus have a slightly distorted quality, creating a sense of otherworldliness.

Steele's vocals in "Country" are reminiscent of those in 80s synth-pop hits, but with a modern twist. He sings in a high register, hitting falsetto notes with ease. The chorus of the song is particularly catchy, with Steele singing "Take a ride into the country/Where everything is clear" over a thumping beat. The chorus is punctuated with a series of "ah ah ah" vocals, further adding to the song's catchiness.

"Country" is a perfect example of Empire of the Sun's ability to craft danceable, yet introspective pop music. The song's enigmatic lyrics, soaring vocals, and lush instrumentation make it a standout track on Ice on the Dune, and an essential addition to any Empire of the Sun fan's playlist.

Empire of the Sun has always been a visually-driven band, with their music videos and live shows featuring elaborate costumes and staging. The music video for "Country" is no exception. The video opens with a shot of a retro car parked in the middle of the desert. Steele emerges from the car wearing an elaborate, feathered headdress and a fringed jacket. As the song progresses, Steele is joined by a group of similarly dressed individuals, and they perform a choreographed dance under the desert sun. The video perfectly captures the sense of otherworldliness that is present in the song's instrumentation.

In short, "Country" is a standout track on Empire of the Sun's 2013 album, Ice on the Dune. The song's enigmatic lyrics, soaring vocals, and lush instrumentation make it a great addition to any synth-pop lover's playlist. If you're looking for a catchy, danceable track that also has emotional depth, look no further than "Country."

• Release Date: October 3, 2008
• Artist: Empire of the Sun