Empty Machines – Velvet Sky

“Velvet Sky” is an exceptional new single by Empty Machines, an outstanding Glasgow-based duo that demands your utmost attention. It is their second song that serves as an adequate follow-up to “Luna,” their debut single released earlier this year. Like on their previous track, Empty Machine has poured all their experience, knowledge, skills, talent, ideas, and musicianship to deliver a mesmerizing composition that will appeal to even the pickiest listeners. For those who might not know, this Scottish duo combines several music genres to illustrate such rich and luxurious sonic imagery where vocal, sonic, and rhythmic performance work to the advantage of the ethereal ambiance. Perhaps alternative rock comes to mind first, but Empty Machines fully stacked “Velvet Sky” with some of the finest properties borrowed from post-rock, post-punk, shoegaze, art rock, synth rock, alternative, darkwave, dream pop, and many more. They used these additional elements as more than necessary enhancements, accentuations, decorations, and other details that unquestionably uplift “Velvet Sky” on an entirely new level, while the duo remains loyal to the primary sonic direction.

Empty Machine nurtures raw, abrasive, fuzzy, heavily distorted sound as a starting point. “Velvet Sky” commences with calm, soothing, relaxing, ethereal instrumentations where semi-distorted basslines and intricate drumming shape the backbone of the song, while the duo gradually adds more instrumentations to the mix. Empty Machine solely relies upon complex, vividly hearable, detailed basslines and precise rhythmic sequences based upon well-accentuated beats, breaks, fills, and other percussive acrobatics. These two instruments provide heaviness, depth, clarity, groove, and pace, but also keep the remainder of the instrumentations in line. You’ll notice how the thick layer of synth themes, leads, melodies, ambiances, and other sonic maneuvers serves as a perfect backdrop for the outstanding vocal performance, while the guitars enrich the atmosphere with various experimentations, chord progressions, and riffs. The vocal harmonies skillfully balance between low, mid, and high notes, emphasizing all the instrumentations with such ease.

As soon as you press play, you’ll notice that Empty Machines are not joking with their music. Every instrument has its purpose in this sonic equation, while the outstanding vocal guides the listener on this ear-appealing voyage. Every segment comes with many details, nuances, and orchestrations, making “Velvet Sky” such a pleasant listening experience. The odd time signatures, intricate instrumentations, unique approach to songwriting, and fresh take on so many music genres places Empty Machines at the top of the alternative rock scene. “Velvet Sky” is more than a rock-solid proof of their brilliance, and you should check out this track as soon as possible. The single is available on all streaming platforms. Don’t miss it!