Memfis

I’m not crazy about this Swedish band’s name, as anything reminding me of Mnemic is a bad thing, but lo and behold, what they’ve created with the 11 songs on their debut, The Wind-Up, is something new. Almost. This band’s number one influence is fellow Swedish group Burst, and within about a minute of opening track "Breathless” that becomes very apparent. The driving tempo, jarringly melodic riffs and screamed vocals sound great but tread a little too close to Burst territory. But what’s this, a sudden breakdown into weird technical jazz? Uh, yeah, that’s what it is. It’s tempting to call it the Dillinger part but we have to give Memfis more credit than constant comparisons, even if what they’re creating is pretty much the sum of their inspirations. Moments of originality shine through, as on the percussion-driven title track and the ’70s-style break in "Forever Discounted.” When these guys outgrow their influences and create something their own they’ll be the next underground phenomenon. For now, damn, it sounds good but it’s hard to not want to go put on Burst instead.