Review: “Why did you come here? Part 1” by Ephemera (2nd Anniversary)

A quartet hailing from deepest, darkest Yorkshire with Hardcore roots who have been there, done that and got the t-shirt in other bands, the debut EP from Ephemera (meaning things that exist or are used or enjoyed for only a short time) titled “Why did you come here? Part 1” arrived on 18th September 2021 without fanfare. But as we’ve said previously some things aren’t properly appreciated until may moons after they are given to the World so we’ve taken some time out to ink a 2nd anniversary review off the back of the strength of their sophomore record “Somewhere Between Order And Chaos” out now via Kingside Records.

Icy piano, programming and speech samples give “The Divine” an arty feel and a Post-Hardcore edge when accompanied by the screaming lyrics about depression with a real intensity, bringing flavours of Stick To Your Guns and The Hope Burden straight out of the gate. It actually feels like the song that should close the record as when the guitars of “Create:Isolate” crash in like drunk stinking of booze after a bar fight at 2am, the swagger makes for instant head banging material with sing-a-long lines like “Don’t tell me what to think, you’re just as f***ed as me” resonating so much you may find yourself repeating them on the first listen. What’s quite clever is that the cuts here have enough similarities between them to flow together as once cohesive soundscape, so instead of 6 minutes and 44 seconds of anarchy, this EP could actually be passed off as a single track. “Micah” brings the “Bleigh!” moment early doors, a tale of apathy and depression with a Melancholic heart and a tasteful piece of lead is the Chef’s Kiss. The earworm riff has been saved for finaleĀ  “Dreamstate“, keeping things tight and if this is just a dream, well it’s an absolute ripper. As if that wasn’t enough, in May 2022 the band released a standalone single titled “Dragged Up” which steps up what they did here with less arty and more fiery approach that bleeds pure Hardcore with bouncy staccato riff breaks and venomous vocals. Expect Ephemera to be putting a brick through your front window very soon… [7/10]

Track Listing

  1. The Divine
  2. Create:Isolate
  3. Micah
  4. Dreamstate
  5. Dragged Up (non EP track)

Why did you come here? Part 1” by Ephemera is out now, everywhere you would expect it to be

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