'Slideslow' less than memorable

By the 19th century, slideshows were projected using devices called magic lanterns. Illusionists and entertainers would use slideshows to conjure demonic imagery or animate corpses. The technology later evolved into moving picture shows.

Now, slideshows are associated with the lethargic haze of lecture halls.

Memoryhouse’s first LP on Sub Pop induces the same effect as today’s slideshows: equal parts muted interest and boredom. “The Slideshow Effect” is a streamlined presentation. The foggy, moonlit atmosphere of 2010’s “Bonfire” and “Lately” has been exchanged for a crisper sound. Some magic was lost in the transfer.

“Walk With Me” and “Old Haunts” both float along on catchy guitar melodies, but fit too squarely into predictable song structures. “Bonfire” sounds neutered of its majesty.

The band was once noteworthy for its art-project underpinnings and Virginia Woolf-inspired song titles, but it now sounds stale in its meticulous professionalism.

Memoryhouse might still sound dreamy, but it’s the kind of dream you probably won’t remember when you wake up.