Graham Burgess’ "Ephemera" is a Psychedelic bedroom Rock gem
There’s something inherently captivating about intimate, home-recorded music—a rawness that pulls the listener in, a sense of being right there with the artist as they lay bare their emotions. Graham Burgess' latest single, "Ephemera," is the perfect example of this magic. A deeply personal reflection on isolation and apathy during the COVID-19 lockdown, the Brighton-based musician transforms solitude into sonic gold, crafting a track that’s equal parts psychedelic dreamscape and modern indie rock anthem.
From the very first note, “Ephemera” makes its presence known with a thick, commanding bassline—a warm, almost hypnotic groove that sets the tone for the entire track. It’s a bassline that could have walked straight out of a Tame Impala record, drenched in warmth and fuzz, but it never feels derivative. Instead, Burgess builds upon it, layering swirling guitars and spaced-out melodies that nod to My Bloody Valentine’s shoegaze textures while carrying the melodic sensibilities of The Beatles.
What makes “Ephemera” even more impressive is its DIY ethos. Burgess wrote, played, and produced every part of the track in his bedroom using just a couple of guitars, a bass, and a Focusrite interface—and yet, the result is something that feels expansive, immersive, and fully realized. The guitars are drenched in just the right amount of fuzz and reverb, the vocals float effortlessly in the mix, and the production strikes a perfect balance between lo-fi charm and modern polish.
Lyrically, “Ephemera” captures the emotional weight of lockdown-era introspection—the fleeting nature of time, the overwhelming sense of detachment, the desire to hold onto something real. Burgess’ vocals feel vulnerable yet powerful, a delicate balance that makes the song hit even harder. There’s a trancelike quality to the way the track unfolds, with its gradual build leading into a searing guitar solo that elevates the entire experience.
If Kevin Parker and George Harrison jammed in a Brighton flat, the result might sound something like this. “Ephemera” stands as a testament to Burgess’ artistry—not just as a musician, but as a producer and storyteller. It’s a track that blends past and present, intimacy and expansiveness, nostalgia and innovation.
For fans of psychedelic rock, modern indie, and beautifully crafted DIY music, this one’s a must-listen. It’s a modern rock gem that we overwhelmingly recommend! Go ahead and click those links below to listen in and follow along for more.
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