Album Review: Steel Magnolias

Did you know that Memory Foam creates a matrix of cells through which air can move?

Me neither.

When Memory Foam gets knocked out of shape the cells kick back and return to their original state.

Pretty awesome eh

Nowhere near as awesome Steel Magnolias (no not the film, although that is pretty good) the latest album from Auckland-based band Memory Foam.

Sonic abandon and energy collide with a cohesive sense of purpose that pulls you in immediately and throws you in all directions.

At moments it is akin to chalk scraping a blackboard. It is relentless but it also breathes, there is space and also plenty of sparks as the music crashes. It races and slides.

What Steel Magnolias never does is leave you at peace. There is no security. No knowing what is coming next.

I am not going to break the album down track by track. This collection of songs is best experienced in one listen then you can hit repeat, repeat.

I am not exaggerating by saying this is the most exciting collection of songs I have heard in years. Think Mad Capsule Markets meets The Mint Chicks (getting Mike Logie to produce is another stroke of genius)

Music like this is rare. It comes from a different place. That place where people with different experiences, desires, and characters collide and let what is inside them come out. Let it go its own way. Unlike most of the music dominating the NZ airwaves, Memory Foam clearly didn’t sit down and say, “ok let’s write a hit”.

More musicians should take this approach but most don’t as it isn’t easy and rarely works but when it does the result is astounding.

Every song is a sonically charged experience that makes your heart race as your mind shoots off in all directions while desperately trying to get itself back to some sense of normality.

The songs challenge and excite and there is also beauty in the maelstrom.

Light in the dark.

Do yourself one massive favour. Get Steel Magnolias (not the movie).

Settle down with Memory Foam (not the cushion).

And open your mind to one of the most exciting bands you will ever experience.