Recording under the alias Memory Tapes since 2008, New Jersey-based Grammy Award nominee Dayve Hawk has now released his third album, Grace/Confusion.
Typically pegged into dream-pop or chillwave genres, the electronically produced albums have all been composed and created entirely by Hawk.
With his DIY approach to recording, Memory Tapes has contributed significantly to the dreamscape movement of the late 2000s.
True to his highly synthesised trademark sound, the record remains heavily reliant on looping and vocal filters.
There is, however an audible development in his third album, which has allowed Hawk to emerge not only as an accomplished recording artist, but also as a skilful producer.
The dynamics of Grace/Confusion swell and shift fluidly. In fact, it takes several listens through to even realise just why this music is so entrancing.
Satisfying drops, breaks, and crescendos are laced through “Let Me Be”; a remixers dream.
At times, such as with the final track “Follow Me”, the album is dense with highly textured percussion and loops, taking on similar momentum to Hot Chip.
There is definitely plenty of scope here to savour Memory Tapes’ more uptempo, indietronica hooks, most notably heard in the inescapably catchy “Sheila”.
Like its title, the album is broadly open to interpretation, and is sure to resonate with many – regardless of hipster status.
While the album fits snugly into a pair of skinny black jeans, it is certainly not limited by them.
