Flourish - Ephemera
Rustbelt Rock Reviews
By: Z.M. Delgado
Zackolantern.com
Volume #18: Flourish – “Ephemera”
July 22, 2022
Independent Artist
Greeting, salutations and welcome to another installment of Rustbelt Rock Review. I have a little change of pace for you today. Normally, as you know, I work the heavier side of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal; spending most of my efforts on the various forms of Thrash, Death and Black Metal. This is more by happenstance then by my choice. I go where the bands are, and I hear what is played. As far as albums go, I have been more discerning; doing the releases I want to, as they pop up and I have time. That being said, today I am doing something a bit outside of my normal wheelhouse: Post Rock/Shoegaze. This is a subgenre usually defined as having a lot of atmospheric qualities and heavy on the effects. The artists in question is Cleveland/Sandusky band, Flourish and today we will discuss their new album “Ephemera.”
Flourish is a four piece act consisting of Marcus Storch (Guitar/Vox), Rogan Campbell(Guitar/Vox), Kameron Korom (Bass) and Harley Dendinger(Drums). “Ephemera,” meaning: anything short lived, is a five song album. I suppose the title is fitting as the entire collection clocks in at just 27 minutes. It opens with “Pilot,” a drifting soundscape that helps lull the listener into a calm and tranquil place. It is followed by “Where the Wind comes from.” This song is in the same lane as “Pilot” in it is a soothing instrumental. While the first song is very much a trippy, melodic piece, “Where the Wind Comes From” is a true rock song. It is as peaceful as the first, while far more emotional. When the bass drops in around the 3:00 mark, it has a powerfully moving aspect. The buildup following this is also quite heartfelt. I think this is my favorite track on the album.
“Carver” comes next, one of the two songs on the album with vocals. It is also the longest song on the track list, clocking in at 7:14. Melancholy tones mingle with soft melodies perpetuating that soothing quality I keep bringing up. This song has a very serious Smashing Pumpkins vibe, specifically the “Siamese Dream” era. The lyrics appear to depict a void in a person’s heart, be it from the death of a loved one or a breakup, is unclear. Either way, the song really takes you to a place of longing with a touch of mourning. A brief voicemail message plays at one point, perhaps the voice of the loved one who inspired the composition. Following “Carver” is another instrumental: “Different Pace.” This song is aptly named, as it has a slightly varied vibe than the rest of the record. More upbeat, slightly joyful in its melody, this song reminds me of The Cure, though I can’t say why specifically. It is a nice little jam, and its differences do not take you out of the mood thanks largely to the Bass work. The final song, “The Woman Dressed in Sun” is the second track to contain vocals and is another long one: 6:40. Like it’s predecessors it is atmospheric, melodic and emotional and yet subdued. The influences of Smashing Pumpkins, Weezer, The Cure and other like minded bands are all represented in the sound.
When I first received this album, I didn’t know what to think of it. I listened to it on the way to work, a time of day normally reserved for Thrash to help wake me up. Flourish didn’t work for me. I tried while cleaning the house and ran into the same problem. The music was just too damn soothing. Then, I tried it somewhere else. I was sitting on my patio, My wife sipping a drink and myself relaxing with my pen. The kids were in bed, the night was beautiful and we were watching the twinkling of the Lightning Bugs. And, bam, Flourish. It was perfect. Like ripples on a calm sea the notes drifted across my yard, and I felt peace. It was such a nice moment. So no, this is not the album to listen too Friday night at the Keg party. It is not for fast cars or wild clubs. It is however for relaxing evenings, for kicking back with a strong drink or a fat joint. It is for drifting off into a restful sleep, for watching it rain and, yes, for admiring Lightning Bugs. I am a Heavy Metal guy to my bones, not even I can Thrash all the time. If you are looking for something a little lighter; something to rest your head to, rather than bang it, then I highly recommend this album. Flourish has made something very beautiful and at times haunting. It has some good Rock moments yet maintains its hypnotic drift. If you like alternative from the 90’s, or The Cure I would bet you’ll enjoy “Ephemera.”
Until next time, Rock on, Rustbelt!
-Z.M. Delgado
Rustbelt Rock Review
Zackolantern.com
7/2/22
(Flourish- “Ephemera:” A beautifully written, calming album. Good for relaxation, intoxication and fornication.)
