If New Empire's recent label debut, In A Breath, was the band's magnum opus, then Symmetry feels like the natural step that they took to get there. Symmetry is filled with strong hooks, brilliant melodies, and emotional crescendos. With seven upbeat songs, two ballads, and two in between, it is a good mix of tempos and the songs are well placed throughout the album.

The opening track, "Across the Oceans," starts the album off on a high note as Jeremy Fowler sings about finding one's identity. The song is driven by a sweet acoustic guitar riff and a thumping kick drum. It's the kind of cheerful song that makes you want to dance.

Following a similar structure to each other, the songs "Train On Time," "Give Me The World" and "Worth The Wait" feature a big atmospheric sound and a simple but memorable chorus. The best of the three, "Give Me The World," showcases some nice guitar riffs and feels like it is meant to be played in a stadium. The bridge is spine-tingling as Fowler belts out, "This distance won't keep me away from you" with gang vocals singing "oh woah oh oh's" in the background.

The two ballads on the album, "Ghosts" and "Staircase," highlight Fowler's beautiful vocals. They are both songs about a broken romantic relationship. The emotional "Ghosts" is driven by a heavy piano and drums. What's neat about "Ghosts" is each beat on the kick drum and snare feels very intentional. The contemplative "Staircase" features orchestration, soft guitar riffs, a quiet piano, and a light synth which all add beautiful layers to the song.

"Tightrope" continues with the broken relationship theme and has some of the best songwriting on the album, like "Keeping your balance is easy when you are sure of the promise that you'll never fall" and "Fear can be bold, but courage takes it all." The musically playful "Imagination" is about sharing adventures with someone special.

Throughout the album, there is a subtle youth appeal. However, on "Here In Your Eyes," that youth appeal is front and center. The lyrics on this song are not as mature as the rest of the album and they over use "Oh oh oh's" and "La la la la's." It admittedly has a catchy chorus in a similar fashion of "Worth The Wait" and "Give Me The World," but it is not quite as strong.

The album closer, "One Heart / Million Voices," was a featured song for the 2012 London Olympic games. It starts off slow with soft orchestration and guitar, then without any warning or buildup, erupts into an epic soundscape. Fowler's voice really shines as he sings about loss and unity.

There is little that is groundbreaking on Symmetry, but New Empire's accessible pop/rock sound proves to be quite enjoyable regardless. This is a promising new band to keep an eye on.

Review date: 6/8/14, written by Christopher Smith for Jesusfreakhideout.com