Bay Area quintet The Memorials (playing tonight at the Walnut Room with Yerkish and the Orchid Set) are definitely definable as a hard-rock band, but underneath ex-Mars Volta drummer Thomas Pridgen’s brutal rhythms, there is a progressive, funk-influenced smoothness. Much can be attributed to the vocals of Viveca Hawkins, but the inclusion of organ sounds and synthesized melodies also adds a soft edge to the band’s almost-sludgy style.
On tour in support of their self-titled debut released earlier this year, these Berklee College of Music cohorts are still relatively young as a band, but this evening could be an opportunity to see the Memorials before they rocket off into a bigger limelight. This show is 21-and-up, and tickets are $10-$12. Doors open at 7 p.m., and bands start at 8.
