Duo Anateus Roy and Bryant Rutledge work together thousands of miles apart as Lazer Sword. Having crossed paths at XLR8R, their initial collaborations took in a direct influence from hip-hop, and their debut self-titled LP was well received, but fell just short of the mark of a classic. It also did well at showcasing the potential for crossover material. ‘Memory’ is a steady, significant departure from their hip-hop orientated first album, hinted at over the last year through single releases and remixes. There’s a very particular aesthetic that the duo have gone for, the sound rounded and full, emitting warmth but feeling disconnected simultaneously, almost in a sci-fi, android-like fashion. There’s quite a heavy science fiction tint on the album through its timbre, especially in beatless affairs like ‘Out The Door’. There are slight twists and turns, but at its core Memory pulls you in with it’s straight up infectiousness.

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