Empathy Test

The empathy test in Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner is based on the premise that machines, no matter how advanced, lack compassion. But for childhood friends, Isaac Howlett (vocals) and Adam Relf (production), Empathy Test is all about wearing their hearts on their digital sleeves. With driving synth chords, punchy 4/4 beats and euphoric ‘80s melodies, the London-based duo take inspiration as much from modern acts like Chvrches and Purity Ring as they do from Vangelis and Depeche Mode. But far from sounding like just another ‘80s-electro reboot, Empathy Test have cultivated a mesmerizing and immersive identity which sets them apart from pretty much anyone else on the scene.

With an insistence on glorious hooks and instantly memorable vocal lines, Empathy Test are refreshingly unafraid to be pop music. Since self-releasing their debut EP “Losing Touch” in February, Empathy Test have picked up thousands of fans via sheer word-of-mouth and late-night tweets, and collaborated with Richard Swarbrick on numerous viral animation videos for ESPN and Liverpool FC. Empathy Test signed to Brooklyn’s Stars & Letters Records in the spring of 2014, with their follow-up EP “Throwing Stones” releasing November 18, 2014.

Bio & Press info → http://starsandletters.com/empathytest
Website → http://empathytestmusic.com
Facebook → http://facebook.com/empathytest
Twitter → http://twitter.com/empathytest
SoundCloud → @empathytest

© 2014 Stars & Letters Records
℗ 2014 Empathy Test

Losing Touch

Throwing Stones EP

Empathy Test - Here Is The Place

Website → http://empathytest.com
Facebook → http://facebook.com/empathytest
Twitter → http://twitter.com/empathytest
SoundCloud → @empathytest

The empathy test in Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner is based on the premise that machines, no matter how advanced, lack compassion. But for childhood friends, Isaac Howlett (vocals) and Adam Relf (production), Empathy Test is all about wearing their hearts on their digital sleeves. With soaring synthetic chords, precision beats, and jubilant 80s melodies — all coated in soft, irresistible melancholy — the London-based duo takes inspiration as much from modern acts like CHVRCHES and Purity Ring, as it does from Vangelis and Depeche Mode. But, instead of sounding like a mere update of 80s’ electro, Empathy Test produce a mesmerizing and immersive identity which sets them apart from pretty much everything else currently on the scene. Shadows envelop hymns, a note sustains too long, a lyric confesses too much: It’s the heart of darkness, not compassion, that beats slow and steady.

While the lingering nighttime aesthetic that Relf conjures up provides the initial hook, Howlett’s vocal mastery pushes the stakes ever higher, providing the urgency and romanticism to Relf’s crystalline production. Little wonder that the duo has amassed a sizable and passionate online following: With an insistence on glorious hooks and instantly memorable vocal lines, Empathy Test are refreshingly unafraid to be pop music. Since self-releasing their debut EP “Losing Touch” in February, Empathy Test have picked up thousands of fans via sheer word-of-mouth and late-night tweets, and collaborated with Richard Swarbrick on numerous viral animation videos for ESPN and Liverpool FC. Empathy Test signed to Brooklyn’s Stars & Letters Records in the spring of 2014, with their follow-up EP “Throwing Stones” releasing December 9th, 2014.

© 2014 Stars & Letters Records
℗ 2014 Empathy Test

Empathy Test - Throwing Stones

The third track from Empathy Test's self-released debut EP, Losing Touch, released 28th February 2014. Available to buy now in all major digital stores. Re-released November 2017 as part of the Losing Touch album.

LYRICS:

She sings me the saddest of songs
I cannot help but sing along
Forever after in my head.

There’ll be no stopping once she starts
The eternal burden of the queen of my heart
I want to be free, but can't let go.

She doesn't really know why...

I feel so tired I could die
Leave my window open wide
Let my spirit feel the night.

Now I have nothing more to say
I said too much now anyway
Lead me out into the night

The last night on earth...

And it’s you -
Running rivers through me
It's like you always knew me
From the moment of my birth
You'll be the death of me.

It’s you -
Running rivers through me
It's like you always knew me
From the moment of my birth
You'll be the death of me.

And now I have nothing more to say
I said too much now anyway
Lead me out into the night.

Losing Touch EP

Last Night On Earth

Empathy Test - Holding On

Empathy Test are back with double A-Side ‘Demons / Seeing Stars’, the first taste of the forthcoming debut album. Since releasing their stunning debut EP, ‘Losing Touch’, the enigmatic duo have impressed with their brooding cinematic electro pop sound; winning both critical acclaim and a legion of dedicated fans worldwide. Their music has seen radio support with KCRW, BBC Introducing and XFM and features with MTV, Clash Music, Earmilk and PopMatters amongst others. Isaac Howlett and Adam Relf formed Empathy Test after discovering a mutual love of eighties sci-fi soundtracks, nineties guitar bands and underground dance music. With echoes of CHVRCHES and Purity Ring, their sound has been described as Future Pop, Dark Wave and numerous other variations along similar themes.

The name Empathy Test is taken from the science fiction film Blade Runner. The duo’s artwork is also sci-fi inspired and follows similar themes to the movie, focusing on the basis of consciousness and the relationship between humans and technology. New track ‘Demons’ deals with the human nature of jealousy and how it can destroy a relationship. It explores how some people unconsciously cultivate jealousy in a partner in order to control them. In this all-consuming infatuation, nothing else matters - “and now she wakes up, every day and she invites, all of my demons to play.” It’s a subject that captures the duo’s strength and goes straight for the jugular.

Empathy Test are renowned for captivating their audiences with their branded mix of analogue synth sounds, uplifting melodies and catchy choruses. Live shows take audiences through driving creative rhythms and eighties pop beats, and new single ‘Demons’ is a live favourite amongst fans. While on tour last year, Empathy Test performed at Wave-Gotik- Treffen Festival in Germany, Urban Forest Festival in the UK and headlined Riba Rocks Festival in Spain. They have shared stages with artists such as Bombay Bicycle Club and The Japanese House. Empathy Test are embarking on another European tour that culminates with a show at London’s The Garage in October 2016. If you haven’t already checked out the electro pop prism of Empathy Test’s world then it’s time to acquaint yourself with this amazing new talent.

Twitter: twitter.com/empathytest
Facebook: fb.com/empathytest
Website: www.empathytest.com

EMPATHY TEST DEMONS LYRICS:

All of my dreams have flown away
All of my ambition with the wind 
Now you’re here.

I never thought I would be satisfied
With anything I had
Now I’m not so sure.

I waited so long for you
Now you’re here I don’t know what to do
With you.

I went hunting for love
When I thought I’d lose.
I meant to shoot down a dove
Shot an angel instead.
And now she wakes up every day and she invites
All of my demons to play.

Fade in fade out like a musical
Rhythm and rhyme in time
Our heart beats sing
Just to remind you we’re still alive in here.

I waited so long for you
Now you’re here I don’t know what to do
With you.

I went hunting for love
When I thought I’d lose.
I meant to shoot down a dove
Shot an angel instead.
And now she wakes up every day and she invites
All of my demons to play.

Well I love her, I hate her
I abhor her, I adore her 
Just the same, just the same
Just the same, just the same.
Well I love her, I hate her
I abhor her, I adore her 
Just the same, just the same
Just the same, just the same.

Demons | Seeing Stars

Demons

Empathy Test are back with double A-Side ‘Demons / Seeing Stars’, the first taste of the forthcoming debut album. Since releasing their stunning debut EP, ‘Losing Touch’, the enigmatic duo have impressed with their brooding cinematic electro pop sound; winning both critical acclaim and a legion of dedicated fans worldwide. Their music has seen radio support with KCRW, BBC Introducing and XFM and features with MTV, Clash Music, Earmilk and PopMatters amongst others. Isaac Howlett and Adam Relf formed Empathy Test after discovering a mutual love of eighties sci-fi soundtracks, nineties guitar bands and underground dance music. With echoes of CHVRCHES and Purity Ring, their sound has been described as Future Pop, Dark Wave and numerous other variations along similar themes.

The name Empathy Test is taken from the science fiction film Blade Runner. The duo’s artwork is also sci-fi inspired and follows similar themes to the movie, focusing on the basis of consciousness and the relationship between humans and technology. New track ‘Demons’ deals with the human nature of jealousy and how it can destroy a relationship. It explores how some people unconsciously cultivate jealousy in a partner in order to control them. In this all-consuming infatuation, nothing else matters - “and now she wakes up, every day and she invites, all of my demons to play.” It’s a subject that captures the duo’s strength and goes straight for the jugular.

Empathy Test are renowned for captivating their audiences with their branded mix of analogue synth sounds, uplifting melodies and catchy choruses. Live shows take audiences through driving creative rhythms and eighties pop beats, and new single ‘Demons’ is a live favourite amongst fans. While on tour last year, Empathy Test performed at Wave-Gotik- Treffen Festival in Germany, Urban Forest Festival in the UK and headlined Riba Rocks Festival in Spain. They have shared stages with artists such as Bombay Bicycle Club and The Japanese House. Empathy Test are embarking on another European tour that culminates with a show at London’s The Garage in October 2016. If you haven’t already checked out the electro pop prism of Empathy Test’s world then it’s time to acquaint yourself with this amazing new talent.

Twitter: twitter.com/empathytest
Facebook: fb.com/empathytest
Website: www.empathytest.com

EMPATHY TEST SEEING STARS LYRICS

Everybody knows you’re not perfect
But you still do your best to hide your flaws.

Everything you do is just surface
But we all know what goes on behind closed doors.

You’ll never know how it feels
To be out on a limb, in the wind.

And you’ll never know how much it hurts
To fall so hard you see stars

To fall so hard you see stars
To fall so hard you see stars
To fall so hard you see stars
To fall so hard you see stars

Everything we do is falling snowflakes
It will all have melted by the dawn.
Give up all your fears for your own sakes
And follow me out into the storm.

You’ll never know how it feels
To be out on a limb, in the wind.

And you’ll never know how much it hurts
To fall so hard you see stars

To fall so hard you see stars
To fall so hard you see stars
To fall so hard you see stars
To fall so hard you see stars

Seeing Stars

Empathy Test return for 2017 with their new EP ‘By My Side’. With echoes of CHVRCHES and Purity Ring, the enigmatic duo have impressed with their brooding electro sound; winning critical praise and a legion of dedicated fans worldwide. Empathy Test evoke a cinematic appeal with their songwriting and showcase an ability to transform the mundane into something beautiful and tragic. This partly stems from their inspiration by sci-fi worlds. Isaac Howlett and Adam Relf formed Empathy Test after discovering a mutual love of eighties sci-fi soundtracks and underground dance and indie music, with the name Empathy Test being taken from the film Blade Runner.

The new EP follows last year’s stunning ‘Demons / Seeing Stars’ release, and only adds further intrigue to their forthcoming debut album. The EP’s eponymous opener explores the emotions of desire within a dysfunctional relationship when all avenues of reconciliation have been exhausted. The listener is initially lulled into a false sense of security; with it’s serene synths and snaps twinned with more emotive lyrics of throwing “another lover on the fire”. The track swells until the soaring chorus perfectly balances the yearning sentiment of the lyrics “Don’t you wanna be by my side?”

If ‘By My Side’ represents the trauma of the EP, then ‘Vampire Town is the emotional light at the end of the tunnel, and conveys a sense of healing. The spacious washes and haunting vocals throughout the EP integrate to form an overall sense of darkness and mystery; and ultimately tell a story of longing, regret and, finally, acceptance. It’s a method that captures the duo’s strength and goes straight for the jugular. Empathy Test are renowned for captivating their live audiences with their branded mix of analogue synth sounds and eighties pop beats; and are playing upcoming shows and festival appearances around Europe - including Electronic Winter (Gothenburg, 28/1/17), Synth Pop Goes Berlin (Berlin, 17/2/17), and Amphi (Cologne, 22/7/17). If you haven’t already checked out the electro pop prism of Empathy Test’s world, then it’s time to acquaint yourself with this amazing new talent.

Empathy Test Vampire Town Lyrics

I need a break from this vampire town
It sucks my blood and leaves me to drown
In a lover’s bed I might rest my head
But don’t go thinking I’ve left you for dead.

The wind blows around these tired feet
That push me always down a one way street
You know I love you all I need is time
What’s yours is yours and what’s mine is mine

And I know that we, will always be friends
And I know that we, will always be friends
And I know that we, will always be friends
And I know that we, will always be friends

I wrote you a letter there’s no need to reply
I’ll be the one who always swallows his pride.
I believe in destiny, I believe in fate
I believe it’s never going to be too late

And I know that we, will always be friends
And I know that we, will always be friends
And I know that we, will always be friends
And I know that we, will always be friends

By My Side

Vampire Town

"...like an echo of a classic film soundtrack, [EmpathyTest] wouldn’t sound out of place snaking into the soundtrack of Netflix series Stranger Things’ second season." - The Line of Best Fit

Empathy Test is London-based electronic music duo Isaac Howlett (vocals) and Adam Relf (production). Currently performing their unique brand of emotive, ‘80s tinged synth pop across Europe with the help of Christina Lopez (drums) and Jacob Ferguson Lobo (keyboards), they have previously shared stages with everyone from The Japanese House to Bombay Bicycle Club. Following the success of ‘Seeing Stars’ and ‘By My Side’, Empathy Test are now set to drop new single 'Bare My Soul'.

‘Bare My Soul’ perfectly showcases the childhood friends’ brooding, cinematic sound. Pulsating analogue synthesizers, combined with a staggered drumbeat and rolling toms, drive the track to a dazzling, euphoric chorus. Isaac’s sombre vocals meanwhile, provide snapshots of poignant moments in his formative years, from a friend’s early critique of his “deep and meaningful” song writing, to the death of a girlfriend’s father.

“’Bare My Soul’ is literally about doing just that; baring one's soul. Isaac was initially inspired by a radio documentary he heard about Kurt Cobain, in which someone said, “[Kurt] had this ability to...bare his soul, in a way that no one else could”. The music mirrors that feeling of release when you finally get things off your chest, moving from the dark, suffocating tightness of the verses into the bright, open space of the choruses. The people in the song; Stephen, Blythe, Cassandra and Sophie, are all real people that Isaac encountered growing up” - Empathy Test

With this release, Empathy Test once again demonstrate an effortless ability to translate the atmospherics of classic sci-fi soundtracks into an accessible contemporary pop structure and combine it with confessional lyrics that cut right to the core. Scheduled to arrive on the 21st April, ‘Bare My Soul’ kicks off a PledgeMusic campaign to fund the self-release of Empathy Test’s debut album on the 23rd June.

Empathy Test | Bare My Soul Lyrics

Stephen said why not write something
That’s not so deep and meaningful?
But the truth can be so, 
Tragic and beautiful.

Blythe said she could never
Tell anyone just how she feels.
How will anyone know when,
She caves in and it all gets real?

I want to bare my soul -
In a way that no one can.
In the hope that 
some of you might understand
How it feels 
To be so alone.
To be so alone.
To be so alone.

Cassandra said she’d lost the plot
When she stopped the car to drop me off.
I watched her disappear
Her face reflected in the rear-view mirror.

Sophie woke me in the dead of night
To tell me how her dad had died.
I lie here in the dark but,
Now there’s nowhere left to hide.

Bare My Soul

Title track from the second of Empathy Test's two debut albums, Losing Touch (Remastered) and Safe From Harm.

Safe From Harm

Trampoline

The final single to be released from Empathy Test's forthcoming LP, 'Safe From Harm' (out 17th November). Pre-order the EP here:

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/everything-will-work-out-ep/id1288664383
Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Everything-Will-Work-Empathy-Test/dp/B075VM1NW4/
Bandcamp: https://empathy-test.bandcamp.com/album/everything-will-work-out

Pre-order the twin debut LPs, Losing Touch & safe From Harm on CD, vinyl and digital here: http://bit.ly/ETPledge

"Lush, visceral and with deeply reflective lyrics" - BlackBooks
http://bbook.com/arts-culture/blackbook-premiere-striking-new-empathy-test-single-everything-will-work-out/


Website: http://www.empathytest.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/empathytest
Twitter: https://twitter.com/empathytest
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/empathytest

EVERYTHING WILL WORK OUT LYRICS

As the dawn breaks, on the last day -
Of a long, long year,
My head aches, but the bedroom is bright and 
I'm wide awake.
And you’re here -
And it's such a relief to finally 
Have you near ...
But I almost hear you thinking,
I can almost hear you thinking,
About ... him.
And all that you'll leave behind,
Lies heavy on your mind -
Heavy on my mind …
 
But I've got this funny feeling everything will work out
I've got this funny feeling that everything will work out
I've got this funny feeling that everything will work out
I've got this funny feeling that everything 
Will fall --- into place.
 
So pack up your things and just leave him,
Come right out and just tell him where you were tonight.
Or kiss him tonight with the same mouth,
You used on me in my ... cold house,
And I promise I won't tell.
But I almost hear you thinking,
I can almost hear you thinking,
About ... him.
And all that you'll leave behind,
Lies heavy on your mind -
Heavy on my mind …
 
Here I go, another romantic on overflow,
I locked you out but you won't go,
The keys tied round your neck
Haven't quite strangled you yet.
And I live with my regrets,
Like you with your cigarettes,
I long to give you up,
Before you kill me.
 
We're too tied, too well-tied together.

Lyrics by Isaac Howlett
Music by Empathy Test
Copyright Empathy Test 2017

Everything Will Work Out

Sleep

Siamese

This is my cover of Empathy Test' acoustic version of "Losing Touch". I love the band and I highly recommend you hear the original. Written by Empathy Test, recorded by me - Srebrina Mincheva.

Empathy Test

Лиза Бек