25 Yard Screamer: The Memory Cheats (The Pictures Within 2023)

I first became acquainted with the Wales’s band 25 Yard Screamer a few years back and have since reviewed four of their discs, all high quality works of modern progressive rock. The band was kind enough to send me their latest endeavor, a reworking of their first album Pictures From Within titled The Memory Cheats.

So, by using new and improved technology the band wanted to give these original tunes new life. So, how does this reimagined platter sound? I have to say excellent and certainly meets the high quality standards the band has set for themselves.

The disc begins with “Leap Of Faith�, beginning with ambient effects and chopped up guitar riffs and effects before a propulsive electronic synth leads to the song proper, super catchy guitar riffs and vocals to match. I can certainly hear Grace Under Pressure era Rush, which should be taken as high praise. The crystalline recording quality really adds to the listening experience. The band’s outstanding rhythm section also deserves kudos, breathing some fire into this one. “Throw The Blame� starts mellow with a lovely guitar arpeggio and deeply emotional vocals before the band turn in into another catchy rocker with a near galloping guitar and another excellent lead vocal from James. The band go for a moodier sound on the edgy, mid-tempo rock of “Travellers Song�, with the vocal arrangement really standing out as Owen’s backing vocals fit in beautifully. Another great riff and vocal highlight the melodic “Did You Ever� while “I’m An Explosive� is a wonderfully different offering with its ambient orchestrations and huge lead vocals. Eventually acoustic and electric guitars weave their magic. It is an outstanding track revealing the band’s creative versatility. Another highlight has to be the rocking “Catapult�, a fast paced instrumental showcasing the band’s progressive side.

The Memory Cheats is a great listen and although I have not heard the original debut release, I think I can safely say the band showed tremendous potential with their original 2003 debut. I cannot wait to hear where the band goes next!

A White Knight Records’ release.

Band members:
Nick James (guitar, vocals)
Matt Clarke (bass)
Donal Owen (drums, backing vocals)

Track Listing:
1. Leap Of Faith
2. Throw The Blame
3. Travelers Song
4. Did You Ever
5. King Of Nowhere
6. Deep Water
7. I’m An Explosive
8. A Nice Thought
9. Catapult
10. No Beautiful View
11. The Pictures Within
12. The Pictures Within (Havoc Mix)

Added: April 4th 2026
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band @ Bandcamp
Hits: 26
Language: english

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