After crossing the ocean, three guys met in Porto, starting a project that reactivated passions and the hunger to keep pulsating the musical experiences. Formed in 2019, MEMORIAL STATE is a trio that carries a diverse influences from punk to alternative rock in an atmosphere that challenges the existence, nostalgia, desires and the raw experiences of modern times. With the “Heavy Colors” self-released EP, the band could express the feelings among the melodic guitars and vocals.
The new emo punk shoegaze trio is joining us today to give you their new single and music video “Empty Space“! This new single/video was taken from their upcoming record “Bloomed”, to be released via Ring Leader Records.
Memorial State’s single “Empty Space” is a powerful song that drives the listener into a dreamy landscape between a damned love story and a post-apocalyptic scenario.
The song’s defining atmosphere was inspired by the search for acceptance of the new generation in a world full of promises and deceptions. The lyrics imprint the energy and spirit of the early 00’s emo and punk rock scene and its overall composition evokes bands like Citizen, Basement, and Title Fight. Memorial State’s multiple influences give the single several layers, delivering a strong and energetic song.
Following in the footsteps of the band’s 2021 single “Hard to Believe”, (labeled “a song that brings an atmosphere that crosses the challenges of existence” by LOUD! ), “Empty Space” is a song to be heard with the heart and mind, charging forward with fury and nostalgia.
The main melodic line winds through the verses and the pre-chorus, ensuring that it’s stuck in the audience’s head before the powerful chorus even arrives. Slick production and a reverb-drenched chorus with a signature vocal tone make this the perfect song for cruising
under city lights at night or to take a hike in the woods. As befitting a song named “Empty Space” the lyrics tell a story about a couple that has nothing left besides the memory of what they were before, always reaching to those attachment feelings we all have inside our hearts.
“The song essentially tells the story of trying to reconnect with someone already knowing you won’t be able to do it, and realizing you’re both no longer the same people you had been,” says Leo DaCosta (vocals/guitar). “We always know, deep inside, but we don’t want to accept it.”
Memorial State’s single, “Empty Space” captures this theme musically by translating heavy guitars with the brand vocals to expose all the contrast you can have in these situations. “Empty Space” is scheduled for release on February 18th.
Memorial State’s Brief Alternative punk/emo band, Memorial State brings raw energy combined with melodic and pop vocals. Made up of friends Leo DaCosta, Vinicius Buenaventura, and Gui Toledo, the band starts as one the most promising band of its genre in Portugal and is capable of generating alt-rock vibes while maintaining a modern pop-punk feel.
Asked about their local scene in Porto, the band says that currently Portugal has a booming music scene and, despite being small, it is full of small gems that challenge the audience. “The venues do their part by opening space for the most diverse musical styles, allowing bands with different sounds to promote their work and show the world and the local public that there is actually an amazing cultural life there.”
Apart from Momorial State itself, the band recommends to check out We Bless This Mess, Campfire, Verbian, Redemptus, and Modernwolf.
You can hear their previous EP “Heavy Colors” below:
As the icing on the cake, Memorial State has shared their TOP FIVE UNDERGROUND BANDS FROM PORTUGAL worth looking into, and their special playlist “From The Heart”, collecting some of their favorite emo / indie / punk / shoegaze rock bands out there.
5 – Modernwolf:
An unusual band, totally unknown to the general public, but with strong musicality and totally connected with the present day. It brings us to a comfortable place and reminds us of the 90’s, when things were simpler and more sincere.
4 – Redemptus:
They are giants of the underground scene in Porto. They just released an amazing album, one of the best of 2021. They deserve to be recognized worldwide.
3 – Verbian:
Few bands can talk so much without saying practically nothing in words. It’s all in the music, the melodies and the harmonies. It’s scary how only three musicians are capable of producing such a wall of sound.
2 – Campfire:
It’s the kind of band that makes every word in each of their songs have meaning. The kind of music to listen to while on a roadtrip with friends!
1 – We Bless This Mess:
A solo acoustic project that grew bigger than the original idea and evolved into a full band. Their last album was recorded in California and it sounds amazing. Unmissable. Nelson is probably the best singer/songwriter around here.
