If you’re into brooding, atmospheric post-punk and new wave, San Antonio’s own Xeraphim just dropped an EP that’s bound to resonate with fans of Lebanon Hanover, Boy Harsher, and Drab Majesty. The four-track EP, titled Empty, dropped on August 1st via Bandcamp—and it’s a sonic exploration of existential angst and melancholy wrapped in icy, minimalist beats.
With a name-your-price offer, Xeraphim isn’t just throwing music out into the world, he’s inviting listeners into his personal space, hoping to connect through the raw energy of his work. “I just think it’s really good and want people to listen to it,” the artist said in a recent Threads post. But this is more than a call for attention; it’s a deliberate gesture from an artist confident in the power of his music to stand on its own.
The four tracks on Empty create a haunting journey through post-punk and new wave, with each piece offering a distinct emotional flavor. The title track, Empty, opens with minimalist synths and distant vocals, capturing a sense of isolation and emotional void, while Altar takes a darker turn, using brooding melodies and a slow tempo to evoke an ominous atmosphere. Deities introduces a subtle shift with its transcendent energy, layering shifting rhythms and electronic textures that convey a sense of yearning, before Obsolete brings the EP to a dramatic close, with a powerful, cathartic build-up and a bright synth-hook that emphasizes feelings of disillusionment and acceptance. The bonus tracks, including a heavy electronic instrumental and a tender acoustic song dedicated to the artist’s wife, offer a glimpse into Xeraphim’s range, contrasting the dark, atmospheric core of the EP with moments of personal intimacy and experimental sound.
Xeraphim’s music is a reflection of the quiet energy of his hometown of San Antonio—a city that, in terms of post-punk and experimental music, is often overshadowed by bigger urban centers like Austin. But with Empty, Xeraphim proves that the Alamo City is fertile ground for forward-thinking music. The EP is an invitation into Xeraphim’s world—one that’s dark, melancholic, and reflective of the complexities of modern life. With nods to his musical influences and a deeply personal touch, Empty is a powerful, cathartic statement from a unique voice in the post-punk and new wave scene.
Empty is available now on Bandcamp, where listeners can download it for free or pay what they want. Don’t miss out on this mesmerizing new EP—Xeraphim’s music is one of the most exciting things coming out of San Antonio this year.
Check it out here on Bandcamp.
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