When Instant Empire sat down to name their new 2012 release, Heavy Hollow, the band was struck by a sobering realization: these new songs were big. Really big. And if they are being honest, that realization scared them a bit. Such sentiments are often accompanied by a healthy dose of vulnerability.

Unapologetically exposed and emotionally earnest, Heavy Hollow is a record full of big songs dealing with big issues. Six songs: each shooting for the stars, each bearing the proverbial heart on its sleeve. The net result is a band hitting its stride, building on the success and hard work of its previous efforts, and coming together to perform epic anthems about the struggles of living life in a worthwhile manner.

Instant Empire coalesced its final "big band" line-up in 2011. Fueled by the powerful vocal styling of Scotty Saunders, the band creates a dynamic brand of indie rock that is both heavy on the hooks and emotionally charged. Guitarists Lou Kucera and Sean Connaughty weave a layered sonic web that keyboardist/percussionist Doug Chase criss- crosses with texture and nuance. A rhythm section consisting of Aaron Stone on bass and Matt Grizzell on drums propels the band from one impassioned song to the next with tightness and urgency.

In 2011, the band released its three-song debut EP of "powerful-yet-intricate indie pop" (Reverb) to regional acclaim. The Denver Westword said the EP was "so strong, in fact, it leaves you wanting more." After debuting their final line-up at the 2011 Denver Underground Music Showcase, the band began work writing and arranging the new tunes that would become the basis for Heavy Hollow. What a difference a year makes. By early 2012, the band was knee deep in the production of Heavy Hollow. The record represents a real leap forward for the group with local press comparing them to The Hold Steady!, Death Cab for Cutie, and The Mountain Goats. Praise for the record states that Instant Empire's sophomore effort "will pull you under right away . . . and won't let you up for air until the disc is over" (Colorado Music Buzz). Westword proclaims that it is "dripping with ambition" and lauds its "tight arrangements, assured melodies and palpaple sense of earnestness and conviction".

The propulsive first single, "Counting Backwards," manages to combine the story of a young woman's inner struggles with majestic, sing-along music that instantly hits home with listeners. "Canyons" finds the band at its melodic best and ready for a larger audience. Meanwhile, "Appalachian, Part II" tells a cautionary tale of darkness and betrayal and is anchored by a wickedly inventive rhythm section. The record closes with "Missing Elderly," the band's most emotionally resonant powerhouse to-date.

Like the songs themselves, 2012 promises to be a big year for Instant Empire. Be sure to follow the band's progress at its website, instantempireband.com, or on Facebook and Twitter.