Vague Pains Announces New Album “Memory”

Some of the most compelling music emerges from the most unassuming places. For Michigan-based musician Zachary Lemon, that place is a basement studio where his project Vague Pains has steadily carved out a distinctive sound. The artist has just announced his third album “Memory,” set to release March 28, 2025, across major streaming platforms. Unlike many home recording projects, Lemon’s basement studio productions have consistently delivered a pristine yet raw sound that captures the essence of classic indie rock while carving out its own distinct identity.

The story behind Vague Pains might sound like a plot from a coming-of-age film – Lemon first picked up a guitar to catch the attention of his high school crush. That teenage romance blossomed into marriage, and that first guitar sparked a musical journey that would eventually lead to this upcoming release. “Memory” marks the project’s third full-length album, a ten-track collection that showcases just how far Lemon has come from those early days of learning power chords.

When asked to describe his sound, Lemon offers a refreshingly unpretentious response: “indie rock with reverb and synths.” Yet this modest description barely scratches the surface of what listeners will find on “Memory.” Drawing inspiration from an eclectic range of artists – from Laurie Anderson’s fearless experimentalism to Siouxsie and the Banshees’ atmospheric prowess and Wipers’ infectious energy – Vague Pains crafts a sound that feels both familiar and unexpectedly fresh.

The album opens with “Waiting,” a track that immediately sets the album’s atmospheric foundation. Through the haze of shimmering guitars, Lemon’s voice cuts through with surprising clarity: “We were unaware, and still calm, and waiting.” It’s a moment that captures the essence of what makes Vague Pains work – the ability to balance ethereal soundscapes with tangible emotion.

As the album progresses, tracks like “Why Divide” push into more aggressive territory, while “Counterpane” showcases Lemon’s knack for crafting infectious post-punk rhythms. Perhaps the album’s strongest moment comes with “Running On,” a track that somehow manages to sound both vintage and contemporary, featuring the kind of guitar work that would make Kevin Shields proud.

The creation of “Memory” followed Lemon’s tried-and-true method of remote collaboration, working with a drummer while handling the bulk of the production himself. This approach has allowed him to maintain the intimate feel of a solo project while adding the dynamic elements that only come from collaboration.

“I hope listeners make an emotional connection with the music,” Lemon explains, reflecting on his goals for the album. “Most of my songs are more about eliciting a certain feeling rather than telling a concrete story.” It’s an approach that seems particularly well-suited to the shoegaze-inspired soundscapes that define the Vague Pains sound.

Fans can follow Vague Pains on Instagram and visit the official website for updates. While “Memory” officially releases across major streaming platforms on March 28, 2025, eager listeners can preview and pre-order the album now on Bandcamp.