Create/Destroy

The eclectic Sydney dance-rock trio Art Vs Science have returned after three long years with Create/Destroy. This new release comes after the triumph of their debut album The Experiment in 2011, as well as a solo turn by Jim Finn as Vydamo for his 2013 album, Becoming Human.

Overall, Create/Destroy is a strong EP that draws on the same sharp beats and flowing electronic phrases as their past hits.

The opener ‘Everybody Wants To Change’ embodies an anthemic dance rhythm with whirring synthesisers and a pounding beat. Title track ‘Create/Destroy’ is highly reminiscent of their past sound, an energetic offering that combines disco tunes, Bee Gees-esque falsetto,  stirring electric guitar, and a powerful beat. It’s an embodiment of Art Vs. Science, as Finn sings,“Work together to destroy, make it something beautiful” – a sentiment that sums up the group’s reckless abandon when  mixing dance genres to produce something innovative.

‘Mother’ is another groovy, eclectic track that diversifies itself with a lengthy electric guitar solo.  However, what disrupts the flow of the entire EP is the sultry, nocturnal ‘Creature Of The Night’. This groaning Daft Punk-influenced number is a distracting shift from the consistency of the other tracks, with the out-of-place Spanish-esque vocals making it hard to listen to. It feels like an unnecessary departure from the overall vibe of the collection.

The EP finishes strongly with ‘Being Alone’, a reflective, melodically-layered track. Finn’s soft and bittersweet vocals shine as he is “so tired of being alone”. The bright electro phrases make it the highlight of the EP.

Despite a few distracting elements, Art Vs Science’s Create/Destroy represents a promising return for the bright dance trio.

Listen to ‘Create/Destroy’ from Create/Destroy here:

Get unlimited access to the coverage that shapes our culture.

Subscribe to Rolling Stone magazine

Subscribe to Rolling Stone magazine