‘Grace/Confusion’ is the third LP to come from Memory Tapes. Dayve Hawk, who also experimented with the names Weird Tapes and Memory Cassette, has been a huge part of a relatively new genre named ‘chillwave’, using his well-honed production abilities to build his legacy. After his first album, Seek Magic, received such a good reception in 2009, Hawk’s reputation was left slightly tarnished in 2011 with the release of his second album. Player Piano was heavily criticized as a step backwards for being too ‘indie-rock.’ But, Memory Tapes has leapt from the brink with the latest offering and landed firmly back within the genre it became known for.
Hawke has explicitly said that this album was supposed to be “messy” and that the tracks aren’t exactly songs but a collection of sounds which he has brought together to resemble songs. Although some would say this is pretension at its finest, which I wouldn’t disagree with, it does explain a lot. Grace/Confusion is exactly what it says on the tin, there are moments of sheer grace which are created by a whole lot of confusion.
First is the unimpressive ‘Neighbourhood Watch’. It’s not much of a goer, it just meanders along quietly to the “big finish,” a strange, jaunty electro riff. However, despite the disappointing start, the rest of the album is a huge step up and it is plain to see Hawke is back to his best.
‘Thru the Field’, second on the track-listing is definitely a standout track. It’s a strange mix of Human League, the Pet Shop Boys and possesses elements reminiscent of Hot Chip, so has a retro feel but is still cutting edge. The guitar riff would not seem out of place on the score of John Hughes’ 1985 comedy drama The Breakfast Club but, again, when it is all pieced together something very new-sounding is formed.
The other stand out track is ‘Let Me Be’. It is an intense, lingering composition with an ominous baseline that involves heavy, melodious steel pans towards its closing.