Aqualung: 'Memory Man'

Matt Hales, better known as Aqualung, has finally returned after a couple of years in the musical wilderness. Not only that, but he’s returned with a fantastic gift in the form of his third record, ‘Memory Man’. Evoking the most beautiful moments that U2, Coldplay and Doves have created, this somehow manages to be more affecting and sincere than most of its musical peers. Furthermore, Matt Hales’ lyrics express a surreal angle that brings to mind Radiohead at their most inspired. This praise may seem overplayed, but it’s something that Hales is no stranger to by now.

Revered on both sides of the Atlantic since the breakthrough ‘Strange and Beautiful’ single, Aqualung has now fully matured into a staggering entity. ‘Memory Man’ is further proof that the hype is justified. Veering between muted, introspective passages and thumping, melodic bombast, the bittersweet feel and warm production makes it the perfect record for the autumn season. ‘Pressure Suit’ and ‘Vapour Trail’ are particular highlights, but they are simply the brightest of an already luminescent bunch. With ‘Memory Man’, Aqualung is standing on the doorstep of perfection.

Released 27th September 2007 by Epic.

Written by Molly Stewart.