(7 September 2019, Hong Kong) Esimorp are proud to release their new song The Minutes as the lead single from their upcoming debut full-length album, Roar Like the Ocean. For the Hong Kong-based alternative rock group, whose members hail from across the globe, this song best conveys their overall sound. “We chose ‘The Minutes’ as our first single because it was the first song which we felt was completely our creation – something that was uniquely us”, says guitarist Ric Newsom.
Achieving what few Hong Kong bands can, Esimorp has risen through the ranks to perform at TEDx events and Clockenflap Festival thanks to a rare level of dedication to their craft and a knack for sincere songwriting. “The Minutes” was written by vocalist Promise Armstrong as he was dealing with city life’s weight and pressure while working in a job that felt pointless, but for him, there’s more. “Writing songs is my way of making sense of life’s nuanced paths and hues. So it’s important to find that hopeful arrival after the tension of the dark night,” he says.
“The Minutes” blends several genres – with even some Japanese influences according to drummer Julian Chan. “One of my favourite things about ‘The Minutes’ is how all of our different influences have come together to create something that has become this defining Esimorp song. Loads of different ideas have been floated and tried along the way, but it’s awesome to now have something that we all love”, bassist Paul Roth says.
“The Minutes” features slick vocals that manage to stay above the surrounding dynamics as the instruments race around. It smolders with emotion as bubbly guitar lines glisten beside its danceable, rhythmic groove filled with giddy momentum. This is an upbeat, melodic and elegant slice of anthemic indie-rock – the perfect song to blast on the weekend with the windows down driving to no particular destination.