Tonight sees Memphis May Fire return to the UK for an intimate headline show at the Underworld before their stint at Slam Dunk over the next few days. It’s a rightfully sold out show, and main support comes from House Vs Hurricane, who have come all the way from Australia. They manage to warm up the room an absolute treat, and they go down a storm.
However, every single person in this room is here for one reason only: Memphis May Fire. The Texas-based metalcore five-piece are greeted with rapturous applause, and it’s great to see them headlining a show here. Last time they were over in the UK they were supporting Of Mice & Men over the road in the Electric Ballroom, and while it was great to see them, they didn’t get to play for nearly long enough.
Tonight they get to play a full headline set, and the majority of it is filled with tracks from their two most recent albums, ‘Challenger’ and ‘The Hollow’. Probably the biggest crowd reaction of the night is prompted by the inclusion of ‘Ghost In The Mirror’, taken from their 2009 debut, but the songs that sound best live are undoubtedly taken from 2012’s ‘Challenger’. Tracks like ‘Vices’ and ‘Legacy’ sound unbelievable tonight – in particular, the chorus in ‘Legacy’ sounds massive.
Memphis May Fire are on fire tonight, and if frontman Matty Mullins’ crowd banter is anything to go by, they’re unbelievably happy to be here. The crowd share that sentiment, and tonight’s intimate show is a victory for them. They sound almost flawless, and their massive songs sound just as good live as recorded. Finishing off with ‘The Faithful’ and coming back on for an encore with ‘Prove Me Right’, Memphis May Fire know what they’re doing.
If you’re going to Slam Dunk this weekend and you don’t check Memphis May Fire out, then quite simply, you’re a fool. Don’t miss out.
LAIS MW