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The American Analog Set - Know by Heart

Memory is a powerful thing. Simple things can bring up events of the past, and these memories can then shape perception of the present. The two become linked in a semiotic relationship, the signifier representing the signified memory. Marcel Proust wrote in his massive work “In Search of Lost Time” about such a phenomenon. “And suddenly the memory revealed itself,” he wrote. “The sight of the little madeleine had recalled nothing to my mind before I tasted it.” Common experiences recall uncommon ones. Such is my relationship with The American Analog Set’s “Know by Heart.”

Amanset’s Tiger Style Records debut sees them taking their laid-back indie rock sound in a more pop direction. Gone are the post-rock centerpieces of the past three albums. The focus is on the more relaxed pop tunes like those on “The Golden Band.” Structurally the songs have changed, but they keep their general sound intact, with their trademark use of keyboards and vibraphone. The krautrock feel present on their past albums remains as well. It’s a consistently well-written album, with songs that have ended up embedded in my brain.

Much like Proust’s madeleine, “Know by Heart” recalls something in me besides the album itself. It takes me back to May 2022 when I first obsessed over it. It reminds me of learning to play “Choir Vandals” on uke while on vacation with my friends and partner. It reminds me of constantly humming tracks from this album on that trip, and in the year since then. It reminds me of my partner.

More than anything it reminds me of how comfortable I feel around them.

Ultimately, this album might be somewhat ordinary, but to me it holds extraordinary meaning. Its cozy blend of indie pop and slowcore isn’t revolutionary, but it is wonderful. My life is better with the comfort this madeleine brings.