Review: X.Y.R. – ‘Memory Tapes’
Vladimir Karpov’s latest X.Y.R. collection frames its gaze on the rose-colored remembrance of things past: lost summers, starlit swims, young love, distant dreams. Memory Tapes acts as both soundtrack and ceremony, spun from soft-focus synths, muted metronomes, and flickering amber light.
Nostalgia and innocence breathe through the 10 tracks, evoking a dreamlike romanticism. Somehow, Memory Tapes manages to melodically capture thoughts and feelings, while simultaneously unlocking a flourish of mystery. With deep chords, meditative bells and echoing, washed-out synths, it’s beautiful, warm, and tender.
Issued earlier this summer by Russian hub Fuselab, the NNF edition includes a track not on the original physical edition (“Rybinsk Lake Shelter”), plus a track ONLY on the physical edition (“Surf’s Up”), as well as an extended mix of “Happy Thoughts.” A wispy, whispered vision of veiled realms and reveries by one of the 21st century’s supreme summoners.
Sink into to the full record below.
