The Great Adventure

posted in: Artist Features • Pop

Jason and the Argonauts sailed to ancient kingdoms in quest of the Golden Fleece. Milo and Otis traipsed through the countryside to find their way home. Some odysseys span continents, others take place in the backyard. In the case of Kansas duo, Empathy, the journey takes about 5 minutes but the places you’ll go are innumerable. Comprised of 18-year-old Sean Morey and 17-year-old Ryan McAdoo, Empathy churns out epic, daedal piano pop odysseys featuring two pianos, two voices and an emotional heat that belies their young age. Shades of Gray has a cascading piano part that isn’t too far off from Vanessa Carlton’s A Thousand Miles. I want more than enough, more than just someone, more than love can afford. It’s a big sentiment, but one delivered earnestly by McAdoo (who possesses a limber set of pipes). Sure, there are whiffs of theatre kid in the delivery, but the music is so engaging you don’t mind the precociousness. Falsetto harmonies, soaring pianos, odd time signatures and multi-part arrangements make McAdoo and Morey a combination of Ben Folds and Meatloaf. Give them a spin and enjoy the ivory odyssey.