Ephemera is the new EP from Sheffield band, Posturing. Like nothing you will have heard before, the band have created something truly beautiful. Although it is short and not a full length album, you are taken on a journey and rewarded with the amazing sound this group has created.
The EP begins with a short, quiet, ethereal track entitled ‘Gone’. More so than any other compilation of tracks, this song sets up the EP, showing listeners the tone and the pacing and what we should expect from the rest of the songs. This includes the floaty vocals that captivate and unique instrumentals, which in this case involve a trumpet.
We are then introduced to our first interlude-style track. ‘Noise 1’ is a direct continuation of ‘Gone’ and pieces tracks 1 and 3 together. Whilst a lot of bands can create a nice flow between tracks, what happens here is more impressive, creating a literal seamless transition between the songs. It all feels like one long piece and blends, creating an atmospheric soundscape.
So we’re instantly linked to ‘I am the Man’, which is a powerfully sung composition with a voice that screams strength. It perfectly matches the instrumentals, where a lot is going on, making it appear full and bold. It then is pieced together with ‘Noise 2’, our second interlude. Another exquisite transition to set up our next track.
‘Morning Light’ transports you to somewhere else with its immersive, dreamy feel. The breathtaking vocals are ever-present and the layered vocals create an increasingly more dreamlike vibe.
It is certainly an interesting idea to make the tracks feel like one long song. As we reach the third and final short piece, you really feel like there’s a gorgeously effortless connection between everything we have heard so far. ‘Noise 3’ in particular really captures that dreaminess of the previous track and once again leads you into track 7, ‘Better’.
‘Better’ is chilled with a melodic trumpet featuring, which really gives the track something. The piano also gets a moment to shine and makes it feel like every instrument gets highlighted to show off all the talent on display.
Track 8 really stands out, for multiple reasons. Obviously it’s the title track, but this also the first instance where an interlude isn’t used to bridge two tracks together. This makes it more abrupt and asks to be noticed. As well as this, the vocal harmonies at the start demand attention and the voices forming the chords that would have otherwise been played on the other instrumentation gives an acapella feel. It just really shines through, making the last track shine.
It’s also very different tonally. ‘Ephemera’ is significantly more lively, ending the EP on a punchy note. Though the EP could not be described as forgettable anyway, this last burst ensures you’ll remember Posturing’s stunning EP.
FOLLOW POSTURING ON INSTAGRAM/ FACEBOOK
FIND MORE REVIEWS FROM RGM HERE