SONG REVIEW: Imperial Skies - "Listen Up!"

Imperial Skies demanding audience to “Listen Up” in energetic new single

by Jesse Smith

Let me give you a scenario. It’s 2012, Warped Tour is right around the corner, It’s really hot out so you are scouring YouTube for the new up and coming bands that are popping up on your suggested next videos. Some of the best bands were found that way for me and Imperial Skies gives me that same feeling with their new track “Listen Up!” Everything about it from the artwork, to logo to the song itself, which really is giving me peak Rise Records vibes (in a good way). Listen Up! from start to end is a high energy, bouncy track that blends screams and singing almost effortlessly. Did I mention this is a trio? Yeah, Haven’t really seen that in the heavier side of the scene ever, which to be honest makes this even more impressive! 

Unlike my lawn mower, Listen Up starts immediately with a captivating groove that bleeds right into the first verse. The subtile lead guitar riff really sets a beautiful melody that almost sits back in the mix but really ties the whole vibe together. The simplicity of the chorus with the main lyrics just being “Woah-oh (x4), because life goes on) really is super catchy and gets stuck in your head super quickly. This is a perfect example of simplicity is key and this chorus is perfectly crafted to get stuck in your head. After the second chorus they give you a little fake out giving the classic “blegh” that returns back into the verse. Little details like taking what is cliche in the scene and making it something that is unique is what transcends a song from good to great! The song fades to an end while kicking the lead guitar up to the forefront, really leaving you with one last goodbye. 

The song is also accompanied by a lyric video which you can see what I mean about what I said earlier. It was a really sick touch that the  brain opens and closes with the song, which to me, is really a memorable detail. The trio that is Imperial Skies have really outdone themselves with this track and I am excited to see what they continue to do. Take it from me, you’re going to want to listen up to “Listen Up.”