Hot on the heels of double a-side Waist Up In Gold/Gunslingers in March, Of Empires are back with another single, Suzie.

While it remains firmly placed in the 60s retro stylings of their last few releases, Suzie sees the Brighton based rock ‘n’ rollers in lighter mood with much sweeter tones and harmonies replacing their recent dark psych-rock.

In doing this they show off a whole other side of themselves that still keeps them in the same stylistic ballpark but with evidence of deeper range and dynamics within what they do.

I have, in the past, compared Of Empires music to places and locations of hot humid summer nights so, keeping that trend going, Suzie comes earlier in the evening but with the same hedonistic seaside vibe.

For the first time though, I think it’s more Brighton than Venice Beach (though hints of the latter remain) with a twang of the 60s British sound cutting through The Doors references and reverb heavy guitars that have become their trademark.

This makes Suzie Of Empires’ most accessible and pop flavoured track to date with ‘alternative summer anthem’ written all over it.