MEMORIALS has officially jumped off the waterslides and into the stratosphere with their second album, All Clouds Bring Not Rain. The duo, comprised of Verity Susman and Matthew Simms, apparently decided that a barn in the French woods was the ideal place to summon the spirits of Nico and Can, then gave the whole thing a David Axelrod polish. It’s the kind of record that feels like it was unearthed from a time capsule buried in a 1970s jazz club, yet it’s shiny enough to feel like the future. If you’ve ever wanted to hear a harpsichord from the 4AD studios having a polite but firm conversation with a vintage Leslie speaker, this is your lucky day. It’s melodic, it’s unconventional, and it’s a total trip without the need for any questionable herbal tea.
The tracklist is a playground of experimental pop that manages to be catchy despite its refusal to follow the rules. “Cut Glass Hammer” is an absolute standout, delivering a rhythmic punch that feels like someone turned a workshop into a psych-rock dance floor. Then there is “Mediocre Demon,” which, despite its name, is anything but average; it’s a six-minute journey that showcases the band’s ability to blend Canterbury prog with a hauntingly cool atmosphere. Finally, “Lemon Trees” provides a beautifully hazy moment that proves these two can master 60s soul influences just as easily as they do experimental tape loops. It’s a sonic palette that’s as bright and varied as the citrus-colored vinyl the record comes pressed on.
Ultimately, this album is a brilliant display of DIY ambition, written and recorded entirely by the duo themselves. It manages to juggle influences like dub, post-punk, and spiritual jazz without dropping a single plate, resulting in a sound that is uniquely their own. It’s the perfect companion for anyone who wants to feel like a sophisticated European art house protagonist while sitting in traffic. Whether you’re here for the “Canterbury-meets-garage-rock” vibes or you just really like the idea of music recorded in a barn, All Clouds Bring Not Rain by MEMORIALS is a joyful, weird, and wonderful addition to your collection. It’s proof that while not all clouds bring rain, this specific cloud definitely brings the noise—in the best way possible.
Links of interest:
https://www.instagram.com/memorialsmusic/
https://memorialsmusic.bandcamp.com/
https://memorialsmusic.com/