Memory Tapes, London Cargo

Memory Tapes

March 13, 2010

The first time I caught Memory Tapes was at the tiny Social, in the gig-desert that was January 2010. It was his second ever show and with zero-expectation, proved spectacularly invigorating.

Two months on, and Dayve Hawk is back in London on the stage of a sold-out Cargo. And conversely, high hopes are met with a flat atmosphere, a still-short set and just too much nonchalance.

Maybe it’s the transient nature of hype-bands that’s to blame for Memory Tapes failing to adapt to playing these bigger shows, or maybe just plain time; selling out the 500-capacity Cargo on your second visit to a city is some accolade. The live show as guitar, vocals and (admittedly great) drums over a backing tape just doesn’t cut it; while the beautiful force of an extended ‘Bicycle’ brings excitement, it’s smack-blind that a full band show would set the roof off.

The “I don’t even recognise the sound of your voice” refrain on ‘Graphics’ sits too comfortably in its reverb-cloud, jubilant but not reaching the powerful heights it soars in on Seek Magic. And the blissier bits are exactly that – there’s a feel of cinematic, aquatic nostalgia in the pre-recorded backing the tape, Hawk’s lacklustre playing adding to the lo-fi. What Seek Magic so special is its astonishing mix of spacey electronica and all-out massive tunes along the lines of Cut Copy – it’s a fuzzy, heady pleasure, something new. And that fever doesn’t translate into the show because the predictability of the pre-recorded backing tape feels like a tick-box waiting to expire.

Memory Tapes’ songs undoubtedly have a beautiful force, but the show’s just not enough for the venue tonight. The drummer is marvellous to watch, drumming so hard and fast against the glistening light show that his movements become as hazy as the sounds.

The first show felt like a taster, but it turns out it was only in size. Here’s hoping that the next level of Memory Tapes’ live show is waiting just backstage, hand up in the air ready to be given the go ahead.

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