Fenton, MI

Looking to revive the delicate and emotive sound of classic emo bands like Mineral and American Football, singer, guitarist, and songwriter Keith Latinen formed Empire! Empire! (I Was a Lonely Estate) in 2006, initially as a solo project. Along with guitarist Cathryn Latinen, his wife and only consistent member of the band, and an ever rotating cast of drummers and bassists, Latinen has lovingly re-created the intricate and plaintive sound of the mid-'90s. Although Empire! Empire! released countless split singles and EPs following their inception, their full-length debut, What It Takes to Move Forward, didn't arrive until 2009. A follow-up, You Will Eventually Be Forgotten, was released in 2014. ~ Gregory Heaney