Freaky Friday Freeview: Memoryhouse

MEMORYHOUSE
The Slideshow Effect
[Sub Pop]

Memoryhouse started off as an unassuming art project between composer Evan Abeele and photographer Denise Nouvion about five years ago, with Abeele's minimalist instrumentals soundtracking Nouvion's visuals, their cross-media collaboration serving as a creative outlet during harsh Canadian winters. What began as moody bedroom recordings have over time evolved into crisp, quiet pop songs, Nouvion's voice now front and center as Memoryhouse have polished up ten songs to make up their debut full-length album. The multi-layered sound of the band is almost obvious from the cover art -- a double exposure photograph taken by Nouvion. The image of a girl dipping her feet into a lake ties in with the themes of youth and water (and photography too) present throughout the record, already adding depth and meaning to the concept of The Slideshow Effect. The tracks are spare but not bare, the layering of guitar hooks with drum-machine-like percussion suggestive of dream pop, but unlike other acts who'd rather stick to muffled vocals, Nouvion's voice is put forward with clarity avoiding that exhausted reverb. Often compared to Beach House's melancholy style, these songs are less hazy, but maybe also less arresting. But Memoryhouse prove themselves as a musically strong band with the attention to detail portrayed on this album, and it's definitely worth a listen.

Have a listen to The Kids Were Wrong and Punctum

For more of this week's new releases check out Other Music update.