The veteran is known for her experimentation across an array of genres, from folk to jazz, rock to pop, blues to electronic and beyond. On Memories Are Now, she weaves her familiar eclectic tapestry, with some added layers. Mantra-like passages draw influence from African rhythms, and ambient overtones round out these compositions. Overtop of it all floats Hoop’s signature mid range voice, ethereal and lilting. Lyrical, she is socially engaged, rooted in the Now, and offers a tinge of political awareness. Her sly, grungy electric guitar licks pair well with the biting and almost sarcastic tone of her words.

The record opens with the pulsing bass of the title track, with vocal flourishes giving way to the exclamation: “Memories are now!” Hoop skips willfully and wryly between moments of haunting ambience (“The Lost Sky,” “The Coming”) and tender indie-folk (“Simon Says,” “Pegasi”). On standout track “Animal Kingdom Chaotic” she clacks about delicately, her hypnotic melody accompanied by ornamental percussion hits. The nimble bounce of her voice warns of a life lived virtually through screens, repeating comebacks like “take back control” and “…but the computer says no.”

Jesca Hoop’s latest release is conscious, visceral, intriguing and witty. Memories Are Now suggests the establishing of a defining sound, and has all the makings of a breakout record. Her voice is one of the more unique ones in indie-rock, and one that’s demanding to be heard.

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Their unique perspectives as composers compliment each other well. Musically, Beam’s jazzier tendencies are on display alongside Hoop’s experimental indie side. They find common ground with their inherent passion for both classic and modern folk music, offering floating arrangements with fingerpicked acoustic guitars and soft strings. Both singers posses a tender and soothing voice that gently cradles their poetic lyricism.

Every composition is raw and rustic, featuring sparse percussion, complimentary violin and ornamental piano as add-ons to the predominant base of guitar and vocals. Tracks like “One Way to Pray” and “Valley Clouds” showcase the meandering classic folk that inspire both songwriters so greatly. “Chalk It Up to Chi” is the delightful oddity that we’d expect from Hoop, while “Kiss Me Quick” is textbook hushed folk from Beam. Lead single “Every Songbird Says” is beautiful in its simplicity, with music that dances lightly around the two singer’s conversational tone.

The partnership of Sub Pop label mates Sam Beam and Jesca Hoop proves to be a successful collaboration. Their voices blend perfectly together, as well as their individual influences and inclinations. Like the album title suggests, Love Letter for Fire is an ode to everything that makes our internal flame flicker. The record is a lovely addition to each of their discographies, and should delight fans of both songwriters.

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