The duo was founded in 2009 by photographer Denise Nouvion (vocals) and classical composer Evan Abeele (production). They named themselves after classical composer Max Richter's 2001 album of the same name and cite influences that include My Bloody Valentine, Galaxie 500, and Cocteau Twins. Memoryhouse made their recording debut in 2009 with "To the Lighthouse." In 2010 the duo released The Years, a four-track EP on the Arcade Sound label, and Lately, a single for which a promotional video was filmed. The single was re-released in 2011 by Sub Pop, which also released the duo's full-length debut, The Slideshow Effect, in 2012. ~ Jason Birchmeier