This Is Memorial Device - David Keenan

This Is Memorial Device (2017) by David Keenan is a debut novel that immerses readers in the post-punk scene of small-town Scotland during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Presented as a “hallucinated oral history,” the narrative unfolds through a series of first-person accounts from various individuals connected to the fictional band Memorial Device. These voices—ranging from band members to fans and critics—offer fragmented and subjective perspectives, creating a tapestry of memories and experiences that capture the essence of youth, rebellion, and the transformative power of music.

Set predominantly in Airdrie, a town in Lanarkshire, the novel delves into the lives of misfits and musicians who found identity and purpose in the underground music scene. The band Memorial Device, though obscure, becomes a symbol of artistic ambition and youthful defiance. Through its unconventional structure and vivid character portrayals, This Is Memorial Device explores themes of memory, identity, and the impact of music on personal and collective histories.

Critics have praised Keenan's ability to evoke the intensity and chaos of the post-punk era, with some noting the novel's resonance beyond its specific setting. The work has been recognized for its innovative narrative style and its poignant depiction of a subculture that, while fleeting, left an indelible mark on those who lived it.