Errant Boy - Memory Fractures

What talented young bands do well is convey the angst, uncertainty, anger and outrage of young people turning into adults.  Bands with fully adult musicians often try to continue with similar themes but -- at least in our opinion -- with decidedly mixed results.  The best songwriters write what they know and what they currently are feeling, and when they get it right, the resulting music is something to cherish.  And with that somewhat meandering lead-in, we introduce you to today's feature: Memory Fractures by Errant Boy.

An Edinburgh trio consisting of Chris Harvie, Sarrah McLaren, and Sean Ormsby (note: at press time we are unable to verify that the album cover art is an actual band photo), the band offers nine songs of Sean's and Chris' life experiences and observations growing up and maturing.  But unlike the angry teenage bands, the tone is warm, wry, and big-hearted, even when bittersweet, and the observations are leavened with genuine perspective.  The style takes off from classic guitar pop of the '80s, so the listener may be reminded of The Smiths, Orange Juice, Lloyd Cole and the Commotions, and the Go-Betweens.  But who among us will complain about such influences?  Moreover, despite the traces of forebears, the arrangements are original and exciting and the stories are captivating and sincere.

We cannot advise you of our favorite songs, because we are completely captivated by the entire album.  However, we had to choose a few for your evaluation, so we lead off with the wonderful "444", which recalls the young songwriters first exposure to The Rolling Stones and the Velvet Underground.  We follow with the rhythmic "Theme From 29 Bus" and the video version of "We Like You".  Nevertheless, we are pained to not include "Downpour", "Wine Store Hurricane", "Means" and ... well ... you get the picture.  Give yourself a treat, and spin the record a few times on the Bandcamp site, and we think you will be a believer.  For us, this is a top 15 album for 2018.

Memory Fractures is out now in vinyl and digital formats via the band's own Errant Media label.








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