For the past four years, the Denver-based indie rockers of Instant Empire have played regularly in Colorado and toured the Midwest with aspirations as big as their sound. While most IE songs are anthemic and rowdy enough to keep fans fist-pumping, the literate lyrics and the band's complexity beg a second (or third) listen at home on the couch. Their brand of aggressive indie rock has drawn comparisons to The Hold Steady, The National, Manchester Orchestra and Bright Eyes.