Goings - ‘Memory Card’ review
Goings by Jesse
Earlier today, Philadelphia’s Goings released their sophomore album, Memory Card, a joyous celebration of their infectious math-pop sound, encapsulating a range of emotions from heartache to hope. Since the release of their 2020 debut, It’s For You, the band has undergone something of a metamorphosis. In 2021, Chris Kearney, Keith Rogers, and Aidan Rogers added guitarists Alexi Peters and Cam Chung, sparking a creative surge that culminated in Memory Card—a kaleidoscope of emotions and influences. It’s a record you’ll want to revisit time and again, and at just under 40 minutes, it’s easy to get lost in its captivating energy.
I’ve said this before, and I’ll likely say it again: on paper, the combination of math-rock and indie-pop shouldn’t work. It’s like trying to blend fire and ice—two genres that sit at opposite ends of the alternative music spectrum. Indie-pop revels in simplicity, celebrating imperfect yet catchy pop songs, while math-rock thrives on complexity, driven by intricate rhythms and technical precision. Yet, when these styles mix, as they do on Memory Card, the result is utterly addictive. Soaring pop melodies are backed by intricate, post-rock-tinged guitar work, creating a sound that is both compelling and distinctive.
For their sophomore effort, Goings reunited with producer Matt Weber, who also worked on their debut. Recorded at The Gradwell House, Memory Card isn’t merely a follow-up; it’s a true evolution—a reflection of the band’s journey over the last three years as a close-knit group of friends honing their craft.
The album opens with the utterly captivating “In Case You’re Leaving”, a 5:22 epic and the longest track on the record. I honestly couldn’t think of a better way for it to start. The track is a meticulously sweet distillation of everything that makes Memory Card so addictive. Its genre-fluid influences weave around melancholic lyrics to create a beautiful soundscape that teases you into the rest of the album, setting the stage for nine more brilliant tracks.
Next up, we have a back-to-back pairing of two of the album’s pre-release singles: “I’m Talking” and “No Fun”. “I’m Talking” is a standout, showcasing the band’s experimentation with new sounds and styles. Described as an “unstoppable synthy-emo experience,” the track melds glitchy synths with frantic bass lines and explosive drumming, all topped off by soaring vocal harmonies. The song itself tackles the frustration of losing faith in oneself, reflected in the music video where the band performs for a distracted crowd—a clever nod to the song’s themes. As Aidan notes, “I’m Talking” was one of the first songs written with the new line-up, and you can sense the unity these new members have brought to the band. The dynamic guitar work from Alexi and Cam, alongside the band’s signature blend of synth and emotion, make this track a highlight.
Meanwhile, “No Fun” represents a pivotal moment for Goings, being the first track where Cam and Alexi contributed their own parts and vocals. The band has expressed pride in this release, not only because it marks a new era for the lineup, but also because it demonstrates the seamless integration of their new members into the writing process. The music video adds an extra layer of excitement, visually capturing the song’s playful yet poignant tone. With its catchy melodies and polished production, “No Fun” shows Goings at their most vibrant and dynamic.
“I Could Get Used to Anything” is another favourite. I’m a sucker for post-rock instrumentation—I blame Kelly and her obsession with bands like Caspian for that—but the guitar work here, with its dreamy post-rock tones, easily catapults this track to the top of my list. It’s a brilliant piece that showcases the band’s musicianship while still retaining a palpable sense of energy.
“Pretty as a River” is another standout, holding a special place for the band. It was the first song written after Cam and Alexi joined, marking a pivotal moment in their creative journey. The track exudes a playful, adventurous atmosphere while retaining the quintessential Goings sound that fans have come to love. As the band puts it, the song touches on their “ever-changing relationship with the art we create and admire,” offering a reflective yet joyful exploration of the creative process. It’s clear that this song captures the excitement and renewed energy brought by the new additions to the band.
“You’re Gonna Die Someday” is another track that the band holds dear. Thematically, it tackles heavier existential ideas, but Goings’ infectious energy prevents it from feeling overly sombre. The track has quickly become one of their favourites to play live, further solidifying its place in Memory Card’s tracklist. Whether it’s the lyrical themes or the energetic instrumentation, “You’re Gonna Die Someday” exemplifies the delicate balance of light and dark that defines the album.
The penultimate track, “[Subtitles]”, offers a stark contrast, blending dark ambience with an irresistible rhythmic groove. The fuzzed-out bass lines and punchy synths create a track dripping with atmosphere from the very first note. Lyrically, the song navigates the tension between romance and doubt, echoing the emotional complexities of love and its potential to uplift or devastate. The song’s ending erupts into a full-on emo breakdown, showing how Memory Card propels Goings into bold new territory.
Closing Memory Card is another epic, “A Conversation”, where emo, indie-pop, and math-rock crash together to create a sonic wave of emotion and energy. It’s a fitting end to a brilliant sophomore effort from the Philly group, leaving us excited to see what’s next for Goings.
With Memory Card, Goings have created an intoxicating and addictive sophomore album that spans everything from heartache to hope, showcasing the band’s transformation and celebrating their infectious math-pop sound.
Memory Card from Goings is out now and available on all good streaming platforms.
