Underrated Underground Bands Part 37: Memento

This band is one of my favorites.

Formed in 2001, Memento was comprised of Australian natives in vocalist/keyboardist Justin Stewart Cotta, guitarist Space, bassist Leighton Kearns, and American drummer Steve Clark.

The band released their debut album Beginnings on February 25, 2003. Two singles were released from the album in "Nothing Sacred" and "Savior," and a music video for "Coming" was produced as well. Both "Nothing Sacred" and "Savior" made a moderate impact on the US mainstream rock charts. Memento was also part of the 2003 Ozzfest tour as a rotating second stage act.

Due to personal conflicts amongst the band members, as well as record label issues, the band was dissolved in late 2004.

Cotta and Kearns re-emerged as "Man vs Clock" in 2005. The project never achieved any notable success, and is no longer in existence. In early 2006, Memento reformed with a new drummer, Jeff Bowders, under the name "Tower," which was later changed to "Ether." The band had been playing shows in the Los Angeles area, frequenting venues such as The Dragonfly.

In late August of 2006, the band underwent another name change, going by the moniker Nine Times Bodyweight (or "9xB"), whose mySpace page is still operational. The band went to work recording new material. However, the project didn't last, and disbanded in early 2007. No official statement was publicly released as to why the group dissolved. Cotta then went on his own solo endeavor, which one used to be able to hear at his official MySpace page. Cotta's myspace is no longer operational. Space (Jason Smith) has a solo project under the title 'Space.' Joining him is Jeff Bowders on drums and Jack Morrice of Driveblind. Some of the material can be found at Space's mySpace page.

Currently, Space is signed with Captiva Records and his debut album, When Clouds Align, is set for release through Captiva in early 2008 and will be followed by his second release 'Exit Strategies' later the same year. Space played all instruments on When Clouds Align save for drums, which were split between T-Bone and Steve Clark, and was responsible for the production and mixing of the album . It has been available since September 2006 through Space's official site as well as online retailers such as the eCRATER marketplace.

Outside of his solo project, Space has written with Kevin Martin previously on The Hiwatts' 2003 release 'The Possibility of Being' and has teamed up again with Martin to write the song 'Stand' for the forthcoming Candlebox album. Space has also worked with Seether, who released their third studio release on Oct 23rd, 2007, entitled Finding Beauty In Negative Spaces; on the album, Space co-wrote and played guitars and E-bow on 'Waste.'

(taken from Wikipedia)

BAND MEMBERS:

Justin Stewart Cotta -- Vocals, Keyboard
Space (Jason Smith) -- Guitar
Leighton "Lats" Kearns -- Bass
Jeff Bowders -Drums

Former members:

Steve Clark -- Drums

For more on Memento, go to;

http://www.sonymusic.com/artists/Memento/

http://www.myspace.com/ninetimesbodyweight

http://www.myspace.com/soundsofspace

http://www.amazon.com/Beginnings-Memento/dp/B00008BXIJ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&...

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Memento
• Stare
• Beginnings
• Justin
• Stewart
• Cotta
• Lats
• Space
• Seether
• Waste

[kabito415]

what is this song called?

[LD60]

It's called "Stare".

[djarm67]

I played with Justin in a band on the Gold Coast Australia which again had multiple name syndrome, funny that ;) from around '92 to '94. He had a full head of hair back then. He was always an awesome songwriter and frontman.

[LD60]

That's pretty awesome, I'm not going to lie. What was the name of this band might I ask?

[djarm67]

Red Azur, Mother Tongue, Man Vs Clock then back to Red Azur lol

[OutburstRecordsInc]

I had the pleasure of seeing these guys play at Ozzfest once, they ruled! I still listen to the album today, I also have an autographed copy. This band should have stayed together.....GOD I miss good music!

[OutburstRecordsInc]

@mikerstudios yes, Abyss is my favorite song!

[ramadearbol76]

this one is Stare right?

great album

[Impor1983]

Beginnings is a great album...figure 8 is an epic song

[HaroldFeldberg]

@FistOfDarwin

good choice ma man, personally Mechanical Animals and Eat Me, Drink Me are his best albums

[LD60]

You shoulda bought it :P

Beginnings is such a terrific album.

[MP9220]

If you guys watch VAST - "I Don't Have Anything" live, you can see Justin Stewart Cotta playing guitar in a dress.. And Steve Clark on the drums BTW :)

/watch?v=nIJUDF7W5N4&feature=r­ec-HM-fresh+div

[theeyeindigo]

Check this out Stare performed by the original band (tower, before they were memento) Amazing to see it in 1996! /watch?v=ct2tC2_cziM

[mikerstudios]

Another band I love. Listen to Abyss.

[finalfantasycloud72]

good song