With their debut Colombian Briefcase EP, Empty Set have laid a solid foundation for success in the local hard rock scene. The album rips, from the very moment the record opens with "Midknight"—a rollicking beer-hall joint of rock guitar and organ—to the final throes of "Harbor," which deftly balances Collective Soul harmonies and Incubus patterns. In fact, the full pantheon of alt-rock influence is on display here: There are elements of the Black Crowes, Pearl Jam, Bush, Filter, Fuel, Hum, [*ahem*] Creed [*cough*]—Empty Set are clearly disciples of the era. Empty Set have debuted with a very strong straight-rock EP. They're primed for at least some level of local success, and while they may find it difficult to crack Minneapolis' more fickle indie-rock-, hip-hop- and folk-centric crowds, I'll be damned if there isn't always room for another rock 'n roll band; God bless you, and may God bless the United States America. -Todd Pitman, mplsstpl.com