Lavish, inventive arrangements combined with engaging melody has always been the distinctive hallmark of indie rock band, Emblematics. Based out of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, the band’s music has been described as British influenced art rock; a unique mix of inspired guitar riffs, atmospheric synths, pounding drums and intricate vocal harmonies. Emblematics’ albums are defined by appealing, catchy songs, but frequently venture out into unpredictable instrumentation and experimental flourishes. The band’s sound reflects their many influences, artists such as Radiohead, Blur, Grizzly Bear and Preoccupations. With “Removal,” the band returns with a new album, and continues to build upon the musical foundation set over years of performing, songwriting and studio recording.
For founding members, Michael Yun (vocals/guitar) and James Yue (keyboards), the band initially began as a university side project; nothing more than an excuse to play music when classes were not in the way. As the band members settled down after graduation, the desire to expand on recording and writing grew, resulting in the release of several independently made albums and EPs: “Emblematics” (2010), “Winter” (2012), “All The While” (2014) and “Wavelength” (2020). Over time, members Will Yue (bass) and Howie Venus (drums) joined to complete the current quartet, filling out the dynamic sound associated with the band’s live show. In 2022, the band released “Navigation,” an EP highlighting the group’s take on combining the genres of ambient music, shoegaze and synthpop. The EP drew positive critical reaction, described as “dreamy washes of sonic bliss” (Pitch Perfect) and “pure art in the form of rock music” (Sinusoidal Music). In addition to their regular local shows, the group toured across Alberta in support of the EP release, and found themselves charting at numerous campus radio stations in multiple provinces.
“Removal” is the new album from Emblematics, a record that pushes any self-imposed boundaries established on previous band recordings. “Removal” is art rock with aspects of noise, post-punk, experimental and pop. The song structures are diverse; memorable hooks co-exist with atypical time signatures, unusual composition and off-centre instrumentals. The sound elements are varied, with tracks featuring white noise, guitar drones, throbbing basslines and lush, textural detail. Lyrically, the songs touch on attempting to reconnect with one’s ancestral background, and the loss of culture that may reveal itself from this exchange. For principal songwriter, Michael Yun, this is a subject that is personal. As a second generation Korean Canadian, Yun has sometimes experienced a conflict of identity; trying to recognize his familial Eastern roots while living in the country he was born and raised in.
Recorded over the course of a year by the band, mixed by Lorrie Matheson (Ghostkeeper, Reuben and the Dark), and mastered by Elisa Pangsaeng (Yukon Blonde, Said the Whale), “Removal” is set for release on Oct 4th, 2024.
Emblematics is:
Michael Yun (vocals, guitar)
James Yue (vocals, piano, synth)
Will Yue (bass)
Howie Venus (drums)
For founding members, Michael Yun (vocals/guitar) and James Yue (keyboards), the band initially began as a university side project; nothing more than an excuse to play music when classes were not in the way. As the band members settled down after graduation, the desire to expand on recording and writing grew, resulting in the release of several independently made albums and EPs: “Emblematics” (2010), “Winter” (2012), “All The While” (2014) and “Wavelength” (2020). Over time, members Will Yue (bass) and Howie Venus (drums) joined to complete the current quartet, filling out the dynamic sound associated with the band’s live show. In 2022, the band released “Navigation,” an EP highlighting the group’s take on combining the genres of ambient music, shoegaze and synthpop. The EP drew positive critical reaction, described as “dreamy washes of sonic bliss” (Pitch Perfect) and “pure art in the form of rock music” (Sinusoidal Music). In addition to their regular local shows, the group toured across Alberta in support of the EP release, and found themselves charting at numerous campus radio stations in multiple provinces.
“Removal” is the new album from Emblematics, a record that pushes any self-imposed boundaries established on previous band recordings. “Removal” is art rock with aspects of noise, post-punk, experimental and pop. The song structures are diverse; memorable hooks co-exist with atypical time signatures, unusual composition and off-centre instrumentals. The sound elements are varied, with tracks featuring white noise, guitar drones, throbbing basslines and lush, textural detail. Lyrically, the songs touch on attempting to reconnect with one’s ancestral background, and the loss of culture that may reveal itself from this exchange. For principal songwriter, Michael Yun, this is a subject that is personal. As a second generation Korean Canadian, Yun has sometimes experienced a conflict of identity; trying to recognize his familial Eastern roots while living in the country he was born and raised in.
Recorded over the course of a year by the band, mixed by Lorrie Matheson (Ghostkeeper, Reuben and the Dark), and mastered by Elisa Pangsaeng (Yukon Blonde, Said the Whale), “Removal” is set for release on Oct 4th, 2024.
Emblematics is:
Michael Yun (vocals, guitar)
James Yue (vocals, piano, synth)
Will Yue (bass)
Howie Venus (drums)
Music reviews/press/quotes:
"Emblematics curate pure art in the form of rock music."
-SINUSOIDAL MUSIC
"The band shows no signs of slowing down, as they ground listeners with dreamy washes of sonic bliss."
-PITCH PERFECT
A beautifully crafted tune that features anthemic vocal work over a well-produced and impressive instrumental."
-TAPE RANGER
"With its spellbinding atmosphere and soaring textures layered throughout, we can't wait to find out what the rest of this EP has in store for us."
MYSTIC SONS interview
"..a hazy, dream-pop number with funky basslines, some beautiful vocal harmonies, a jangly electric guitar, and dripping with synthy goodness. It’s a seriously catchy track as well – and lives in your brain after just a couple of listens."
INDIE TOP 39 interview
"Emblematics curate pure art in the form of rock music."
-SINUSOIDAL MUSIC
"The band shows no signs of slowing down, as they ground listeners with dreamy washes of sonic bliss."
-PITCH PERFECT
A beautifully crafted tune that features anthemic vocal work over a well-produced and impressive instrumental."
-TAPE RANGER
"With its spellbinding atmosphere and soaring textures layered throughout, we can't wait to find out what the rest of this EP has in store for us."
MYSTIC SONS interview
"..a hazy, dream-pop number with funky basslines, some beautiful vocal harmonies, a jangly electric guitar, and dripping with synthy goodness. It’s a seriously catchy track as well – and lives in your brain after just a couple of listens."
INDIE TOP 39 interview
