Los Angeles duo Social Gravy released “Rapture and Rupture” on December 26th, part of their upcoming EP The Pebble dropping in 2026. Brad Kohn and Vee Bordukov are known as “romantic rock’n’rollers,” delivering riff-savvy yet melodic tracks. The Big Takeover called them “a band keen on tapping into the Top 40 market without sacrificing integrity.” The song came from a troubled heart trying to make good, about a romantic relationship that’s genuinely challenging, but where the desire to make things work is still alive.
The two interlocking guitar parts are the essence of the narrative, like two people that weave around each other, sometimes in harmony, sometimes in friction, but always connected. At the climactic end, they finally join in unison, which is the emotional resolution. The track was recorded live at Stagg Street Studios with Brad and Vee on guitars, Brad on lead vocal and Hammond, Nick Maybury on electric guitar, Sharlotte Gibson and Carol McArthur on backing vocals, and a vocal solo from McArthur. Rodrigo Crespo handled mastering.
To describe this song as a slow burner would be an understatement. This is like an entire movie or “Hero’s Journey” in a song. Acts 1 and 2 of the story are told over a slow simmer with some of the most beautifully harmonized guitar and vocals I have heard in a while. I was lost for words from its sheer beauty and the warmth of the sound. The killer production helps with that, too, but the vision and execution of the music itself and the sheer drama are what make this special. Act 3 was a surprise, even though you will probably expect a resolution to acts 1 and 2, but the power with which they stick the landing here is remarkable. Complete with a wall of sound composed of backing vocals, guitars, and huge sounding drums. The calm after the storm that follows feels like an epilogue to what came before it, a bittersweet ending.
Social Gravy‘s been at this since 2016 with releases including Fools, Behind Every Yes, California, Let It Out, A Different Kind, Lone Wolf, and These Are The Times. “Rapture and Rupture” shows they’re still channeling raw emotion through a modern rock lens without losing what makes them distinct.
