Clothing – ‘From Memory’ album review: a necessary reminder that absurdity leads to survival
THE SKINNY: “The gods are watching, they’re setting the sun on fire” is one of the first lines that breaks From Memory into the open. The lush, effortless melody infiltrates the ears like a flexible finger of psychedelia, leaving any and all meaning open to interpretation. Clothing might not be a household name, and searching for more information might only add to the mystery, but its intrigue is too strong to ignore.
Emerging from the collaborative efforts of Aakaash Israni and Ben Sterling, From Memory celebrates both the ten-year creative commitments focussed on creating a groundbreaking synth-pop album and the diverse backgrounds of both makers. Ten years might seem a long time to work on a singular vision creatively, especially as From Memory barely touches the 30-minute mark, but that’s where the old adage “quality over quantity” comes in.
From Memory is not fooled by its surroundings, and neither does it pretend to shun its own cultural significance. This is, for all intents and purposes, an album that knows exactly what it’s doing, even if the messaging is often misconstrued or unclear. Today’s world is plagued by technology-obsessed pariahs, civil unrest, media wars, and anti-artificial rhetoric, and From Memory is a response to and a celebration of absurdity in the very face of oversaturation.
As a result, this is an album that should and shouldn’t be taken at face value if for nothing other than its invitation into a brave new reality. This is a space where apocalyptic realms can be daydreams, darkness can be comedic, and survival can be surrealist. As Sterling put it: “Embracing absurdity is the only way either of us survive in this world. I’m sure that it informs everything we do.”
For fans of: Turning off the news in favour of re-discovering your own personal realm of paradise.
A concluding comment from a realist: “I don’t get it, but it sounds like I shouldn’t.”
From Memory track by track:
Release date: August 9th | Producer: Clothing | Label: N/A
Kingdom (feat. Amber Coffman): Signalling a fresh start akin to the dawn of a new age, ‘Kingdom’ does not shy away from what it wants to be, proving that Clothing is a confident act capable of pulling off multiple positions at once. [3/5]
Afternoon Television (feat. Amber Coffman): Electronic, synth-infused psychedelia is one of the most entrancing musical experiences, but add in Amber Coffman’s endearing melodic charm, and you’ve got a whirlwind of unique creativity. [4/5]
Paper Money (feat. Elliott Skinner): The distinctive creative leanings of Sterling and Israni come to the fore in this soul-impassioned piece, a delightful eroticisation of its namesake with a delectably critical edge. [3/5]
Still Point (feat. L’Rain): Often, From Memory teeters on the edge of unsettling, never truly reaching the point at which the macabre resides, but it’s this push-and-pull that draws you in and leaves you with a new perspective. [3/5]
Something Out Of Nothing (feat. Elliott Skinner): ‘Something Out Of Nothing’ gives as good as it gets without overwhelming its arrangements or overcomplicating its message. Perhaps that’s the entire appeal of From Memory; it gives and takes the balance, providing a uniquely intriguing experience.
Everything Is Free (feat. Amber Coffman): With another rhythmic beat that both complements and unsettles the entire composition, ‘Everything Is Free’ brilliantly demonstrates both Clothing’s technical adeptness and Coffman’s gorgeous vocal delivery. [3/5]
Modern Interiors (feat. Anna Wise): There’s nothing wrong with electronic that’s more accessible; in fact, there’s everything right with it, as proven by ‘Modern Interiors’ and Wise’s lusciously dichotomous vocals. [3/5]
Sunset? (feat. L’Rain and Elliott Skinner): In stark contrast to the album opener, ‘Sunset?’ could be viewed as either a reckoning, an ending, the marker of a new beginning, or all of the above. In other words, it’s the perfect curtain call on From Memory and its oddly charming narrative about the beginning of the rest of the days and the end of the world. [3/5]
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