Ben Quad – ‘Ephemera’ review
Ben Quad by Kam Coker
Signing to a new label is often a chance for artists to reinvent themselves. But, for Oklahoma quartet Ben Quad, their first EP under Pure Noise is a refinement of their 2022 song, "You're Part of It."' Blending their Midwest emo roots with the rage of screamo, Ephemera is a deep record beneath the surface of political despair and power chords.
The EP's lyrics express the band's sorrow for the state of the world. Sam Wegrzynski's raw vocals both cry for help and encourage change. Lead guitarist Edgar Viveros describes the record as “questioning those current structures and exploring themes of feeling helpless. Because even though we can burn this all down and do something about it, it seems like the world is stuck in complacency.”
The opening track, 'I Did Not Create The Rules', teases listeners. Starting with a funky electronic intro. Then, it shifts to pounding drums and frantic guitars. It’s not that intense for the whole two minutes, though. A (slightly) more low-key section emerges halfway, displaying how the group plays with different styles while staying within the genre.
Next is the lead single, ‘You’ll Get Nothing and Like It’. It brings a feeling of opposition, evident in lyrics like “everything I need from you is everything you take from me," while instruments fight each other for space. Underneath the noise and anger, Viveros plays a melodic guitar part that contrasts with the rest of the song while adding some depth. It gives the impression of free-spirited individuals being crushed down by a system completely at odds with them.
In the middle is ‘Your Face As An Effigy’. The stripped-back opening with distorted rhythm chords could trick listeners into thinking this will be a more low-key song, before bursting open into rabid, post-hardcore sounds that have defined the EP so far. It’s a crescendo of a track, constantly building up throughout, but not in a way that's too much to bear. It’s dynamic in how each element of the band is used which stops the sound from being crowded or hard to listen to.
‘Exit wounds’ is the shortest track on the EP, coming in at a blisteringly fast 91 seconds. It’s a musical outburst, starting abruptly but finishing so quickly, as if the outrage and pain at the oppressive use of power structures has become too much to bear. It’s also a great example of Isaac Young’s brilliant drumming on the EP. His style is fast-paced and fluid, making full use of the kit. In places, it seems at one with the guitar and the vocals, rather than just providing rhythm.
Closing out the record is the title track. ‘Ephemera’ is the longest song at 3 minutes and encapsulates both the sound and the message of this EP. The music, while still full of that same grit as the rest of the release, feels epic and full of weight like the score to an action movie’s climax.
As the track closes, with the vocals screaming the war cry of “were made to throw away “ in unison, it’s clear to see that Ben Quad has embraced this new direction for their sound, while still building off the foundations of what came before. If this is where they’re heading, I can’t wait to see what’s next.
Ephemera from Ben Quad is out 25 October via Pure Noise Records and available on all good streaming platforms.
Upcoming live dates
