ALBUM REVIEW: memory palace – Intervals
INTERVALS have always managed keep technical playing feeling fun and lively. With their latest release memory palace, this continues to be the case as they never lose the focus on melody and groove, while constantly upholding the technical standards we’ve come to expect. Collaborations are plentiful throughout this record, with KOAN Sound, J3PO, Evan Marien and OBLVYN, and while the overarching production and thematics are tidy, you can feel the enjoyment of each track from all involved in their respective contributions.
neurogenesis is a beautifully upbeat start to the record, and the momentum doesn’t slow with mnemonic. Nathan Bulla’s drums bark, bright and bold against the sharp tone of Aaron Marshall’s signature guitar style. An initially more laid back galaxy brain begins with a delightfully odd feel you never really ease into. As things flex and contract, you are kept in a constant state of ecstatic delight, being thrown in and out of sync with time as layerings of synths and gorgeous jazz infusions through Jacob Umansky’s bass, with the ever-impressive swells within the overall piece, threaten to almost overwhelm.
Every section of this record feels as if the ‘play’ element of playing music is pivotal. The joy is always present in INTERVALS’ writing, and it’s even more honed and articulate here. Sure, any one of these songs can stand up against contemporaries within the progressive sphere, but rarely are songs executed with the same evident reverie for life and music as INTERVALS’ output. There’s a high production value here, and the snappy style of said production might not be for all, but it certainly suits what INTERVALS are doing. For example, nootropic is an electric experience; nothing this frantic and frenetic should feel this good to move to, it’s astounding. The lead lines are as melodic as any vocal, the balance of lighter moments with the drudge of the crunchier progressions perfectly.
side quest is the soundtrack we all would want to any accidental adventure we find ourselves on, adding a level of epic and whimsy you never knew you needed. Leaning into the bit-scape of older games, the nostalgia and the contemporary live in harmony here. Likewise, lacuna feels like you’re bossing around in your own anime intro, in the best way. All too soon the ending is upon us, and chronophobia is a tidy way to finish up the record, with snappy groove and melodic focus.
Some folks won’t be as enamoured with this record for its whimsical style, and might want something outside of this vein from Marshall and collaborators, but it’s the constant uplifting quality that fans continue to appreciate. memory palace is nothing you wouldn’t expect of INTERVALS at this point. If you enjoy your progressive instrumentals to have a sense of childlike wonder and jazzy genius, then you’re going to be very satisfied with this record. Fluid, funky and just outright joyous, memory palace is another successful chapter in INTERVALS’ unwavering commitment to melodic music.
Rating: 9/10
memory palace is out now via self release.
Like INTERVALS on Facebook.