Published: April 7, 2026
The Portland-based trio introduce their upcoming LP, set for release on May 15 via The Flenser
Portland-based trio Rhododendron present “Like Spitting Out Copper”, a new single that offers further insight into their upcoming album “Ascent Effort”, scheduled for release on May 15 via The Flenser.
The track reflects a period of transition within the band, capturing themes of instability, growth and personal change that define the direction of the album. Rather than resolving tension, “Ascent Effort” allows it to remain present, shaping both the emotional and structural framework of the material.
Speaking about the single, multi-instrumentalist Ezra Chong explained its origins:
“It was the first song written after I moved to Eugene, OR… The change of environment is reflected in this track, as it marked the point where we started evolving our music instead of revisiting older ideas.”
He also addressed the thematic core behind the song:
“It reflects the struggle of trying and failing to take care of basic daily needs, and the disillusionment that can build over time.”
Formed in 2019, Rhododendron have developed a sound that blends technical precision, repetition and structural experimentation, drawing from influences that range from underground rock of the 1980s and 1990s to elements of jazz, ambient and progressive music.
Their compositions are built around shifting dynamics, where riffs evolve through fragmentation and reconstruction, and rhythms move between structure and collapse. This approach has been shaped through consistent live performance, with the band refining their material in real time across their local scene in Portland, Oregon.
The material that forms “Ascent Effort” was developed during a period of internal change, with songs written in sequence to reflect a continuous process rather than isolated ideas. The album’s structure mirrors that progression, where tension and resolution exist in parallel rather than in opposition.
Ascent Effort TRACKLIST
Firmament
Like Spitting Out Copper
Stow
Family Photo
Within Crippling Light
TOUR DATES
May 06 — Pioneertown, CA — Pappy & Harriet's
May 07 — Las Vegas, NV — The Usual Place
May 08 — Oceanside, CA — Pour House
May 09 — Los Angeles, CA — The Echo
May 10 — Oakland, CA — Stork Club
May 12 — Eugene, OR — House Show
May 30 — Portland, OR — Aladdin Theater (Record Release Show)
July 05 — Dallas, TX — AM/FM
July 07 — Houston, TX — White Oak Music Hall
July 08 — Austin, TX — RADIO / EAST
July 11 — Vancouver, BC — The Pearl
July 12 — Seattle, WA — Showbox
July 16 — Santa Ana, CA — Observatory Santa Ana
With “Like Spitting Out Copper” and the upcoming release of “Ascent Effort”, Rhododendron present a body of work shaped by tension, transition and a deliberate refusal to simplify their sound, positioning the album as a reflection of growth rather than resolution.
Written by Gino Alache – Music Journalist
Watch “Like Spitting Out Copper” below:
