Speak, Memory - Value to Survival

Speak, Memory

Value to Survival
self-released; 2014

3.7 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Forming in October of 2011 Speak, Memory is a three piece band consisting of Timothy Miller  (Guitar) Cameron Ferguson (Bass) and  Jonathan Thomas  (Drums). They just recently released their first Ep entitled Value To Survival which is a raw, instrumental album that combines elements of post-rock, math-rock and a couple other sub genres.

It’s amazing to me how much potential there still is with the classic three piece lineup. You would think that after how many countless bands utilize drums, bass and guitar we would have moved out of this popular format. Value To Survival is a testament to the almost endless possibilities that still exist with these instruments. Sure, the guitars sounds like a guitars and the bass sounds like a bass but it’s about the riffs they introduce, the changes they implement and the palette of tones they chose that create something they can call their own.

What’s immediately satisfying about this record is you can feel the chemistry these guys have. I’m not sure how this was recorded but i’m willing to bet there were very few if any overdubs. It sounds like a three guys playing in a room together which is a sound that seems to be dissipating from popular music. The guitars were probably bleeding into the overhead drum mics further cementing the live feel.

Everyone in the band is skilled musician and play what the song calls for but it’s hard to take your ears away from the guitar work here.  Just take a listen to the second track “Splenetic” to get an idea of the talent Miller has. He blasts through an ample amount of riffs that are pure ear candy. The most impressive part is that they are both technically and creatively appealing. There are a lot of technically guitarist who don’t have an ear for aesthetics. That isn't the case here.

This is an album that is best listened to from beginning to end. Grab your favorite beverage, take a seat and enjoy.

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