The Empty Pockets – Dear Billionaires
MT Pockets – 2026
10 tracks; 38 minutes
Described by themselves as ‘Roots Rock/Americana/Blues Rock’ The Empty Pockets have established a strong reputation in their native Chicago by independently releasing seven albums and selling directly to their fans. They have toured with a long list of people, including Al Stewart and you can hear reflections of Al’s music in this record. The album was recorded over two days at Abbey Road in London with no instrumental overdubs, just one cover, the rest of the album attributed to the whole band: Erika Brett, keys and vocals, Josh Solomon, guitar and vocals, Nate Bellon, bass and occasional backing vocals, Adam Balasco, drums.
A funky guitar riff and swirling organ underpin opener “Serrated”, Erika and Josh duet-ting on a song that celebrates a shared love (“would you be the one I could have forever?”), the same sentiment expressed in a different way on “I Never Get Sick Of You” with Josh leading the vocals and warm harmonies on the chorus. In the way of many contemporary acts, both tracks were previously issued as singles ahead of the album release. “Dearest Millionaires” is a caustic rejoinder to those who “have so much”, “the only solution may be revolution”, perhaps a warning to the super-rich, wrapped in a lush pop arrangement. An appropriate follow-up title is “Eat The Rich”, an instrumental that is the closest to blues so far, stinging guitar featured and the rhythm section getting the chance to show their abilities too; a second instrumental later on the album, “Working Class Blues”, adds further to the blues quotient.
“Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone” has plenty of harmonies as Nate joins in on the chorus and Erica sings strongly about “making a date for The 31st Of June”, so maybe this is a strong hint that this relationship will not last long! Josh leads on the interesting story of “Queen Of LA”, the piano giving the tune a jaunty feel, while “Broken Down In Bozeman” closes the album on a country-tinged ballad about one of the well-known hazards of touring. The sole cover is Billie Holiday’s “God Bless The Child” which Erika sings rather histrionically, though Josh’s guitar is excellent.
Not really one for the devoted blues fan, but some clever songs if you enjoy a broader palette of music.
