Young Empires

Toronto quartet Young Empires have yet to release a full-length, but they had enough songs to thrill the Horseshoe Tavern late Saturday night, and damn, did they know how to play them. Their balearic-style dance rock, heavy on groove and group vocals, was sold by the band's enthusiasm, which was palpable: vocalist Matthew Vlahovich bounced around on stage with gleeful enthusiasm, shouting out to those dancing in the audience below. Their debut EP is solid -- highlights "Enter Through the Sun" and "White Doves" were hits live, too -- and Young Empires have already figured out how to deliver them impeccably and with gusto. No small feat for a band so young.