Ephemeral cover

Ephemeral

Pelican · 2009

20 min · 3 tracks · post-metal

A dense tapestry of instrumental heaviness intertwines with atmospheric melodies, creating a hauntingly immersive post-metal experience.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Embedding the Moss — This track opens the EP with a sweeping atmospheric build that showcases Pelican's trademark blend of heaviness and melody, setting the tone for the entire release.
  • →
    Ephemeral — The title track encapsulates the band's ability to balance complex instrumentation with poignant emotional undertones, making it a standout piece on the EP.
  • →
    Geometry of Murder — This track combines aggressive riffs with intricate arrangements, highlighting the band's dynamic range and their capacity for creating tension and release.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases strong composition and craft with immersive soundscapes, though its impact within the genre is moderate.

What we noticed

  • The EP features three tracks, each over six minutes long, allowing for extended instrumental passages that build gradually.
  • The title track employs a dynamic shift from quiet, atmospheric sections to heavy, distorted crescendos, creating a sense of tension and release.
  • Each piece incorporates layered guitar textures and rhythmic shifts, contributing to a dense sonic landscape that evolves throughout.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Embedding the Moss 7:46
  • 2 Ephemeral 5:25
  • 3 Geometry of Murder 7:37

What to play next

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata