Rick White Album

Commandeering every instrument, Rick White surpasses the calm of his last record with an abrasive blast of thoughtful psych rock. White’s past work in Eric’s Trip and Elevator featured surprisingly dynamic, multi-layered noise guitar orchestras. With recent projects like the Unintended and his own solo work, White’s explored a somewhat gentler side, infusing acoustic balladry with his signature earthy haze. Hints of this sensibility pop up here and there but, by and large, Memoreaper is a scrappy punk record. "Sorry We Missed You” segues between White’s soft/hard sensibilities, beginning slyly on an acoustic figure before careening forward with emotional release. "Flicker” is one of many songs where White’s frenetic drumming and electric guitar textures crash against his spooky, effects-laden vocals. Classical guitar solos on "Grim Unintention” perfectly complement the song’s mood, while "I Don’t Know Her” is a cool old school hardcore punk song except for the uncharacteristically gentle lead vocal. Capturing all of his sensitivity, prowess, and experimental impulses, Memoreaper is a remarkable record from Rick White.