RSD. EmptyMansions' founder/primary songwriter, SAM FOGARINO (INTERPOL) wrote most of the songs for snakes while on tour promoting INTERPOL's fourth and self-titled album, from mid 2009 to late 2011. It was after a show in Rome, Italy, that SAM and BRANDON forged a bond resulting in BRANDON taking on the role as producer and bassist for the future Empty Mansions debut record. Curtis was a part of INTERPOL's live configuration, playing keyboards on the globe-spanning run. The eight songs that make up snakes/vultures/sulfate, Empty Mansions full-length debut, fell into the 'familiar' mode: guitar/bass/drums- unwittingly creating a true rock-sounding record. Employing the stylistically versatile DUANE DENISON (THE JESUS LIZARD, TOMAHAWK, TH' LEGENDARY SHACK SHAKERS) whose unique approach to guitar playing defies comparison or labeling, only aids in taking the rock convention of EM a few degrees to the left. At the controls, Producer BRANDON CURTIS (SECRET MACHINES, COSMICIDE, INTERPOL) possesses the production sensibilities that serve as a balance-keeping the tracks inviting, but not without leaving a bit of challenge for the listener. Along with producing, recording, and mixing snakes, Brandon also plays bass, keyboards, and sings backing vocals. Empty Mansions is now an entity; not the just a moniker for Sam's solo work, definitely not a side project, but not exactly a band either. Time will reveal what happens next, and what sonic form Empty Mansions will take next.