Memorial are a band I have been keeping my eye on closely. The group began when Renee Heartfelt, a band I really enjoyed, sadly disbanded. Other than the name change though, the sound has virtually stayed the same. Memorial employ the same post-hardcore dynamics practiced by Renee Heartfelt. Which basically means if bands like Quicksand, Texas Is The Reason or Samiam make you swoon then you will probably dig what Memorial got going on. The band’s debut was originally supposed to be two seperate 7-inches with Revelation Records. Which considering the band’s sound would seem like a perfect fit but for whatever reason that never materialized. Here we finally have the band’s first eight songs compiled onto one sweet looking LP, The Creative Process/Berlin. The emotionally charged vocals of Peter Appleby are the focal point for Memorial just as they were for Renee Heartfelt. But while Renee Heartfelt seemed to be distancing themselves from their roots/influences, Memorial seem quite delighted to indulge themselves. The band takes a more natural approach with their songs and there is a definite nod towards their past as Memorial retain a harder edged exterior. The Creative Process/Berlin LP is a treat for fans of this style. There were only 500 copies of this record pressed (100 black, 300 white, 100 yellow), so I suggest you get to stepping!
Full Disclosure: This band’s press is handled by Beartrap PR. I work with Beartrap PR but I do not represent this band. These are my honest opinions. No shit, I swear!
Genre: Post Hardcore
RIYL: Quicksand, Texas Is The Reason, Samiam
Label: Flight Plan
Sideways
For another take on this excellent project, go read my review.