Review: The Memories - S/T EP

By Burgers Rana

Rocking out on an acoustic guitar is no easy feat. If we go by what history has to say about it, going acoustic in punk brings back those awkward ear-aching tunes by Unwritten Law and those not so entertaining bands on Drive Thru Records, but let’s not think about that right now. When you are from Portland and you want to go acoustic with hints of doo-wop and humorous-yet-true story telling, and your day job is White Fang, then odds are you are going to be something special. And that’s exactly what The Memories are.

Comprised of members from White Fang, BOOM, and various other Gnar Tapes alum, The Memories are a four-piece machine intended, in my view, to let out some of their softer, dare I say, emotional outputs. Released earlier this year by the now legendary Gnar Tapes and Shit, the self-titled release is a collection of campfire-esque jams about stoned make-out sessions, beers, girls, dreams, and more songs about girls. All the songs are so short and sweet (but not in a twee way), multiple repeats are bound to happen with no worry of getting bored or tired of the tracks. In fact, by the second listen, you are bound to be singing along, if not air guitaring as well.

Moreover, the tape (which comes with a digital download) emotes a special warble that adds to the basement recordings, and some copies are still available at the Gnar store if you want to hear what I mean. You can also take a free listen at the Gnar bandcamp, and if you feel obliged, throw some cash their way so you can enjoy it whenever and wherever you like.