I think the review author means physical in-your-face "perceptual recognition." Thought remembering is a weaker form of physical recognition, but you're right -- it works mostly the same as far as recall is concerned.

With physical recognition (touch, temperature, smell, taste, sound, sight), all the details are instantly available to our perception and recall/memory access is easier. It's difficult to fully remember the feeling of a childhood holiday only from your memory. You get a much richer recall experience if you go back to the place/time of year you lived it. Little things will trigger your memory you didn't even know you remembered.

The review author would be less confused if "pattern recognition" was replaced with "memories linked to what you're thinking about." Saying "pattern recognition" of London doesn't make sense to non-tech people. Saying "You remember things attached to London in your mind" helps out more, right?

I like that we are kinda strange.