Memory Engine’s Josh Kramer and Gwen Gudaitis have been collaborating for years, but this self-titled EP marks the first release for this particular musical incarnation.
Hailing from Vancouver, Washington, these singer-songwriter adventurers have delivered a concise slice of Americana that showcases their honest, soulful sound.
‘Lady Aqiba’ – A warm, classic-rock swagger and a vocal that is mixed quite loud make this opening track leap out at you. The snake-like melody coils around the song with a vice-like grip. Gwen’s clean, pure vocal tone rides the slow-moving, marching groove, bathing the track in an undeniable energy. Crunchy guitars keep an off-beat pulse, and the whole thing builds into crashing crescendos and a satisfying folk-rock-country workout.
‘Dear Dismay’ – A crisp mandolin and warm, lush vocals offer a totally different feel. It’s fast-paced with a folksy, sing-along vibe. This feels like a group of friends, gathered around a fireside, sharing music and stories. I liked the wide, open sound and the rich spirit of the track. The vocal is set much further back this time, comfortable in the heart of the song, and there’s another intricate top line – it’s full of nuance and rewards careful listening. Thumping drums and washboard-like percussive sounds give this a wonderfully tactile dimension, too. A poetic lament about writer’s block, the song is filled with beautiful lines:
“As a tansy in the field, a blackberry who refuses to yield
The waiting’s so delicious, it’s sure to kill
Better luck a moth luring a flame by sheer will”
‘Across The Cuff’ – The scratchy, lo-fi start brings a nice texture, and the atmosphere switches again. I liked the smooth, soulful warmth and the slightly melancholic feel to this closing track. It’s laid back at first, but when everything comes together in the chorus, it cuts loose with a joyously emotional sound. Layer after layer reveals itself as the song blooms like wildflowers in spring. Gwen’s vocal compliments the track perfectly with a full, earthy tone – it reminded me of a rockier, more expressive Dido (yes, really!). The subtle backing vox adds real depth to the overall sound, too, executing some really intricate counterpoints. This feels like an old painting brought to life, with more potent lyrical imagery:
“But when the hard times have hit you rough, bind your hands across the cuff.
And reactionary’s not enough
Go seek the people and places
That lend you solace and unlaces the ties that are holding you down”
Before I heard ‘Memory Engine’, the duo warned that these tracks might feel a little disconnected from each other – they needn’t have worried. Variety is not disconnection – it is flavour. This EP may be brief, but these 3 tracks are perfectly framed snapshots of their melodic folk-rock craft.
Memory Engine is working on more music as we speak – let’s hope they don’t forget to share it!
Written by Grubby
