Memorials, hailing from the UK, carve out a unique niche in the experimental pop landscape with a sound that is as psychedelic as it is melodic. Their music defies easy categorisation, drawing from an eclectic range of influences — from folk and dub to post-punk, experimental tape music, kosmische, spiritual jazz, and Canterbury prog. This broad palette results in a sound that could be roughly described as Nico’s haunting vocals meeting Can’s avant-garde rhythms, all produced with the lush, cinematic touch reminiscent of David Axelrod. Such comparisons only hint at the band’s playfulness and refusal to be boxed into a single genre.
The duo behind Memorials—Verity Susman and Matthew Simms—bring significant pedigree to the project. Both have previously contributed to influential groups; Susman with Electrelane and Simms with Wire, two bands known for pushing musical boundaries. This background informs Memorials’ adventurous approach to songwriting and sound design. Their work comfortably sits alongside experimental pioneers like Broadcast, Portishead, and The Velvet Underground, a lineage that fans of alternative and avant-garde music will recognise instantly.
Memorials have not only made their mark through their sound but also through their live presence. Their touring history includes supporting highly respected acts such as Stereolab and Tortoise, which speaks volumes about their reputation within the experimental music community. These tours have taken them across the globe, giving them a wider platform to showcase their genre-bending style and further expand their audience.
In 2023, Memorials released two acclaimed film soundtracks that showcased their ability to create immersive atmospheres beyond conventional song structures. These projects served as a bridge to their first full-length album of more song-focused material, Memorial Waterslides (2024). The album was met with critical acclaim for its assuredness and adventurous spirit, highlighting the duo’s capacity to blend art-pop intricacy with psychedelic textures. Their follow-up album, All Clouds Bring Not Rain, set for release in March 2026, promises to continue this trajectory with even more stunning compositions.
Critics have lauded Memorials for their kaleidoscopic approach to art-pop and psych-rock. KEXP noted their “immerse, experimental aura,” while The Wire praised their “advanced and adventurous avant pop action.” The Quietus remarked on their abundance of ideas, and Under the Radar captured the essence of their work as embodying “the polarities of avant-garde and classic songwriting.” Such accolades underscore the band’s growing influence within contemporary experimental music circles, though it is still early days for Memorials to be cited extensively by other artists. However, given their pedigree and distinctive sound, it would not be surprising if they become a reference point for future musicians exploring a similar blend of psychedelic, pop, and experimental music.
