There is something inherently paradoxical about Graham Burgess‘ debut single, Ephemera – a song named for the fleeting, the transient, yet woven with such intricacy that it seems to defy time itself. From opening moments, we are drawn into a cosmic tapestry, where the dimensions between sound and emotion collapse into a singularity of expression.
Opening with an expansive, celestial soundscape, Ephemera pulses with astral nuances that hint at something greater than the sum of its parts. The cerebral electric guitar, evocative of a vast, uncharted void, guides us through a sonic wormhole where grunge, shoegaze, and experimental math rock coalesce. This an odyssey through sound, where luscious layered vocals serve as both anchor and wind, keeping the track grounded yet eternally ascending.
At its core, Ephemera is a meditation on isolation, a product of its time yet timeless in execution. Written during the COVID-19 lockdown, Graham Burgess channels emotions of apathy, introspection, and existential weight into a composition that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. It is the kind of track one imagines echoing through the walls of The Bronze in a Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot. -an intersection of moody nostalgia and contemporary innovation.
The track’s fat, distinctive bassline provides an earthy counterpoint to its ethereal textures, a tether to the physical world amidst the interstellar reverie. Yet, as the song unfolds, Burgess deftly manipulates its structure, introducing glitch-pop flourishes in the second solo—an ingenious touch that adds further dimensionality and intrigue. The middle eight is particularly striking, where brooding, compressed vocals hover over a glistening melodic accompaniment. It is at this moment that the track reaches its most hypnotic, a weightless suspension before descending into its cosmic finale.
That Ephemera was crafted in its entirety by Burgess alone – written, performed, and produced within the confines of a bedroom – only adds to its mystique. With nothing but a couple of guitars, a bass, and a Focusrite, he has managed to create something that sounds vast, immersive, and fully realized. The DIY nature of the recording does not detract from its impact; rather, it enhances its raw intimacy, forging a direct line between artist and listener.
It is a testament to Burgess’ dedication to his craft, a snapshot of a moment in time rendered in sweeping, cinematic sound. Influences such as The Beatles, My Bloody Valentine, Tame Impala, and Polyphia are apparent, yet Burgess reshapes these elements into something uniquely his own. His upcoming performance at the acclaimed Lewes Road Inn will undoubtedly be an event to watch, as he brings this rich sonic tapestry to life on stage.
Perhaps the most telling quote from Burgess himself is this: “I’m a perfectionist, but I’m at the point where I just want to get it over and done with.” There is exhaustion in those words, but also a deep, burning passion – a paradox that mirrors the very essence of Ephemera. It is a song born of solitude yet meant to be shared, an intimate whisper that reverberates through the vast corridors of sound. Naturally, we have added the opus to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS and TRIPPY playlists, whilst we anticipate future releases from Graham Burgess!