Lazer Sword – Memory

This album is great - fun rhythms and detuned pads come together to make a lovely weird soundscape. Standout tracks are Toldyall, Missed a Spot, Point of Return, Let's Work, Pleasure Zone, and People. 'Memory' is a unique listening experience and one of the better albums from the early '10s. That slick production lamented in the first review was worth it, because the songs still sound great in 2022.

The Monkeytown compound brings forth the sophomore album from LA/Berlin duo Lazer Sword who released their critically acclaimed debut album back in 2010 on International Leisure. Fraternizing with all things bass and even the Hyphy sound previously, the formation cut their teeth in a rich and inspiring environment at the time.
Now the sleeve of the album lies on my desk and the disc is joyously rotating in my drive, which all seems great from the looks of it all.
There's absolutely no question about the fact, that they've acquired and incorporated a more European sounding aestethic into their music, which should only be a natural thing as Lando Kal is now residing in Berlin.
In comparison to the 'Lazer Sword' full-length 'Memory' is considerably more uptempo, fairly polished and favors the current Juke alliance and exchange between The US and UK as a musical stronghold.
It's almost needless to mention that Machinedrum makes a guest appearance on 'Chsen', but it works out really well as a slower, quirky hybrid of polyrhythms and throbbing synths out of control.
However, there are still reminisces of the 80's Electro Funk flurries from the debut to be found here like the reflective 'Pleasure Zone', the lively 'Sounds Sane' and partly on the more modern sounding 'Point Of Return.'
Despite the qualities already given, I can't help but think that there's something missing here in order to make the equation .
'Memory' is an orderly and well-produced affair with several luminous highlights but lacks altogether the genre-defying versatility, which made the first outing such a jaunty musical experience.