Machines of Love and GraceYou can forgive a man making a useful thing so long as he does not admire it. You can forgive a man making a useless thing so long as he admires it intensely.All art is useless.-Oscar WildeEmpty Art are the band to watch on Brisbane's alternative scene. Blending goth, industruial, prog, art rock and innumerable other influences into a genre-defying wall of sound, Empty Art have gained recognition and respect for the powerful and complex soundscapes that are the heart of their work.With her hauntingly melodic voice, vocalist Riikka Challinor provides a beautiful counterpoint to the synth-infused, thunderous, yet atmospheric, stylings of Daniel Cleaver (guitar), Sam Morrison (bass) and Corey Purser (drums)Transcending the traditional roles of guitar and bass, Dan and Sam unleash waves of synth-infused melodies through their axes, using technique and effects to blur the lines between guitar and electronica. Corey, too, challenges the stereotypical role of drummers, rhythmic counterpoints and melodic cymbal crashes taking the band's vision to a new level. Floating effortlessly over the top, Riikka's vocal melodies call up senses of loss, hope and faith, delicately interwoven. You've never heard anything quite like this.
