Empirical Prey @ The Espy Basement
Elo And The Shinkicks & Wake Up Solution
Espy Basement (St Kilda, VIC)
Thursday, 5 February 2026 7:30 pm
Emerging from Melbourne’s vibrant music scene, Empirical Prey is a powerhouse of psychedelic and indie rock, blending seasoned musicianship with fearless sonic
experimentation. Formed by acclaimed guitarist Mark Ward—renowned for his work with Pearls & Swine and Electric Hippies, and for touring alongside legends like Guns N’ Roses, Jane’s Addiction, and Red Hot Chili Peppers—Empirical Prey channels decades of collective experience into a sound that’s both familiar and boldly original.
At the core is Ward’s distinctive guitar work—heavy, unfiltered riffs woven with orchestral flourishes and cinematic textures. His vision is brought to life through the charismatic and poetic vocals of Cail Baroni, whose dynamic range has drawn comparisons to icons such as Freddie Mercury, Matt Bellamy, Jeff Buckley, and even Michael Jackson. Baroni’s soaring melodies and emotive storytelling invite listeners into a realm where introspection meets high-voltage performance.
Anchoring the band is Yiorgs Sgourakis on bass, delivering depth and power, and Sasha Stojievski on drums, whose precision and energy drive the heartbeat of the band’s immersive sound. Together, they craft an experience where boundaries blur—psychedelic rock infused with bluesy grit, melodic intensity, and mosh-worthy grooves.
Already generating online buzz, Empirical Prey’s live clips have showcased their captivating stage presence, while their single True has been compared to Radiohead for its ability to blend atmospheric textures with rock urgency. As reviewer Naomi Dan put it: "If all my favourite nu-metal, blues rock, and melodic hardcore had an orgy and it smells like Empirical Prey—soaring melodic vocals, bluesy riffs, and mosh-worthy grooves—they’ve got it all going on."
Currently booking shows and putting the finishing touches on their upcoming LP, Empirical Prey invites audiences on a transcendental journey through sound—where raw power meets artistic vision, and the possibilities are endless.
experimentation. Formed by acclaimed guitarist Mark Ward—renowned for his work with Pearls & Swine and Electric Hippies, and for touring alongside legends like Guns N’ Roses, Jane’s Addiction, and Red Hot Chili Peppers—Empirical Prey channels decades of collective experience into a sound that’s both familiar and boldly original.
At the core is Ward’s distinctive guitar work—heavy, unfiltered riffs woven with orchestral flourishes and cinematic textures. His vision is brought to life through the charismatic and poetic vocals of Cail Baroni, whose dynamic range has drawn comparisons to icons such as Freddie Mercury, Matt Bellamy, Jeff Buckley, and even Michael Jackson. Baroni’s soaring melodies and emotive storytelling invite listeners into a realm where introspection meets high-voltage performance.
Anchoring the band is Yiorgs Sgourakis on bass, delivering depth and power, and Sasha Stojievski on drums, whose precision and energy drive the heartbeat of the band’s immersive sound. Together, they craft an experience where boundaries blur—psychedelic rock infused with bluesy grit, melodic intensity, and mosh-worthy grooves.
Already generating online buzz, Empirical Prey’s live clips have showcased their captivating stage presence, while their single True has been compared to Radiohead for its ability to blend atmospheric textures with rock urgency. As reviewer Naomi Dan put it: "If all my favourite nu-metal, blues rock, and melodic hardcore had an orgy and it smells like Empirical Prey—soaring melodic vocals, bluesy riffs, and mosh-worthy grooves—they’ve got it all going on."
Currently booking shows and putting the finishing touches on their upcoming LP, Empirical Prey invites audiences on a transcendental journey through sound—where raw power meets artistic vision, and the possibilities are endless.