Ben Quad has shared their latest track, "Ephemera", the title cut from their upcoming Ephemera EP, due for release on 25 October via Pure Noise Records. Following a string of singles, this latest offering is a blistering testament to the band's evolving sound, building on the momentum established by their earlier releases "You'll Get Nothing and Like It" and "Your Face As An Effigy".
The Oklahoma-based band, who signed to Pure Noise Records earlier this year, have been turning heads with their genre-bending take on emo and post-hardcore. "Ephemera" takes things a step further, merging emotive lyricism with a raw sonic intensity. The band describe the track as the emotional crescendo of the EP, grappling with the bleak realities of societal decay. Vocalist Sam Wegrzynski’s lines—“Why does every flower wilt away?”—capture a deep-seated frustration with the world’s disarray and a system that perpetuates suffering.
Sonically, the track takes inspiration from the likes of William Bonney and Pg. 99, with flashes of Deafheaven’s atmospheric weight, blending intricate guitar work with a wall of aggressive sound. This mix of influence isn't new for Ben Quad, who have long been known for straddling the lines between indie, punk, and hardcore. But with Ephemera, the band seems to be hitting their stride, both lyrically and musically. It’s a bold progression from their 2022 album I’m Scared That’s All There Is, with the upcoming EP promising a more honed, pointed take on their signature style.
Produced by CJ Cochran, the track emerged from sessions broken up by touring, which gave the band a chance to reflect and refine their ideas. That reflection has paid off—"Ephemera" feels like a statement of intent, both furious and introspective in equal measure. It’s a mix of personal angst and political rage, a heady brew that promises more to come when the full EP drops later this month.
Talking about the single the band said:
“This song is the boiling point of the record. All beauty and happiness in the world seem to be tainted by capitalism (“Why does every flower wilt away?”). We, as victims of a negligent system, can only ask ourselves why we continue to accept perpetual cruelty. The final chorus of the record is a proclamation that we are nothing more than disposable in the eyes of our supposed protectors.”
With a tour lined up supporting Prince Daddy & The Hyena and then the Pure Noise Tour starting in late October, fans won’t have to wait long to hear "Ephemera" live. This is shaping up to be a busy season for Ben Quad, and with the new music in hand, they’re ready to make a serious impact. Ephemera might just be the release that takes them from the underground to a much bigger stage.
Save the date for Ephemera, and watch the video for the song of the same name:
Upcoming live dates
