Empath (band)

Empath

Origin| Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Genres| Noise, Punk, Psychedelic
Labels| Fat Possum Records
Get Better Records
Members|

* Catherine Elicson
* Garrett Koloski
* Jem Shanahan
* Randall Coon

Website| empathx.bandcamp.com

Empath is an American noise punk band. They have released one album and several EPs, and are currently signed to Fat Possum Records.[1]

## History

[edit]

Empath was formed by Catherine Elicson, Jem Shanahan and Garrett Koloski in 2015 whilst the three were roommates in Philadelphia. Elicson had recently moved from Columbus, Ohio, where she had been in the bands Goners and Katherine. Koloski was then the drummer in Syracuse, New York band Perfect Pussy.[2] The trio recorded Crystal Reality Volumes 1 & 2.[1]

They began recording what would become Liberating Guilt and Fear in 2016 with Koloski's former bandmate, Shaun Sutkus. After Coon joined in 2017, he recorded his parts that autumn. It was mastered by Greg Saunier of Deerhoof and eventually released by Get Better Records in 2018.[1][3] That same year they released a 7" titled Environments, named in tribute to Irv Teibel's 1970s album series of the same name.[1]

In 2018, the band released their debut LP Active Listening: Night on Earth, once again through Get Better Records. The positive reception led to their signing to Fat Possum Records, who immediately reissued the record - along with a vinyl pressing of Liberating Guilt and Fear for the first time.[4][5]

In late 2021, Empath announced their second album, entitled Visitor, would be released on 11 February 2022.[6]

## Members

[edit]

* Catherine Elicson (guitar and vocals)
* Jem Shanahan (synthesiser)
* Randall Coon (synthesiser)
* Garrett Koloski (drums)

## Discography

[edit]

### Albums

[edit]

* Active Listening: Night on Earth – Get Better Records, 12" LP, MP3 (2019) / Fat Possum Records, 12" LP, MP3 (2019)[2][4]
* Visitor – Fat Possum Records, 12" LP, MP3 (2022)[6]

### Extended plays

[edit]

* Crystal Reality Vol. 1 – Self released, Cassette, MP3 (2016)
* Crystal Reality Vol. 2 – Self released, Cassette, MP3 (2016)
* Liberating Guilt and Fear – Get Better Records, Cassette, MP3 (2018)[3][1]
* Environments – Get Better Records, 7" single, MP3 (2018)[1]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b c d e f Vozick-Levinson, Simon (July 26, 2018). "Meet Empath, 2018's Trippiest Punk Band". Rolling Stone. Retrieved November 7, 2019.
2. ^ a b Ross, Alex Robert. "Empath's new age noise-punk will open your third eye". The Fader. Retrieved November 7, 2019.
3. ^ a b Berman, Judy (April 5, 2018). "Empath Liberating Guilt and Fear". Pitchfork. Retrieved November 7, 2019.
4. ^ a b Geffen, Sasha (May 7, 2019). "Empath Active Listening: Night on Earth". Pitchfork. Retrieved November 7, 2019.
5. ^ Matozzo, Marissa (July 24, 2019). "Empath Sign to Fat Possum Records, Announce Tour Dates and LP Reissues". Paste. Retrieved November 7, 2019.
6. ^ a b Minsker, Evan (November 9, 2021). "Empath Announce New Album Visitor, Share Video for New Song: Watch". Pitchfork. Retrieved January 17, 2022.