WITH their fourth album Unconditional debuting at number 4 on the US Billboard 200, UK fans were dying to experience the band’s 2016 album This Light I Hold when Memphis May Fire returned to crush Manchester.
From touring pubs and clubs across the US in 2007, to this year performing at some of the UK’s biggest alternative music festivals.
Memphis May Fire returned to Manchester Academy for a second time on December 1st, this time with support acts Like Moths to Flames, Silverstein and The Devil Wears Prada.
The first support act of the night came from Ohio-based band Like Moths to Flames. The band did a fantastic job of warming up the small number of early arrivers, providing the crowd with head-crushing drums and an energy that sparked the room to life.
Next to take the stage was Silverstein, a post-hardcore band from Canada. Playing songs from their eighth studio album I Am Alive in Everything I Touch, the band produced insanely cool guitar riffs along with some clever and catchy tunes.
The last band to warm up the crowd were Ohio rockers, The Devil Wears Prada. This is where the crowd were ready for the main event.
With the band’s anthemic choruses and heavy-hitting guitar riffs the crowd were off their feet! The Devil Wears Prada ensured they gave a dynamic and energetic performance, which was mirrored by the ever growing crowd.
Next, the main event. As so
on as the music cut and the lights dimmed you could feel the anticipation oozing from the crowd and the dramatic introduction music only heightened this.
Then, in a split second the psychedelic violet lights went up and Memphis May Fire were standing before the cheering crowd.
The band opened the show with the lead song from their 2016 album, Carry On. Although this sparked the crowd into action, it may have not had the reaction that the band were hoping for.
Yes, the crowd were dancing and enjoying the music but the opening song didn’t quite have the reaction of heavy head banging and moshing that you’d expect. It took the crowd a couple of songs to get to that level and by the fifth song, a space had opened up in the centre of the room and the entire crowd began moshing.
Amongst all the heavier songs played on this set there was a moment where lead singer Matty Mullins stopped to tell the crowd about the next song.
Every time i see @MemphisMayFire they just get better and better ????? #bestbandever
— Emma Victoria (@EmmaBB89) December 1, 2016
He explained how the song Miles Away was influenced by how touring and being on the road can be extremely lonely when you’re miles away from loved ones. This gave a lovely break from the heavier songs and enabled the band and the crowd to connect on an emotional level.
Through out the show, the focus was more on the sound and feel of the music, rather than the conversation between the band and the crowd.
The powerful riffs of the guitars were definitely something to note. These beautifully played guitars drove each song and the crowd loved them, rocking along to every note; Guitarists Kellen McGregor and Anthony Sepe are a huge asset to the band!
Unfortunately, the show had to come to a short end as the 11pm curfew was nipping at the heels of Memphis May Fire due to the slightly late running of the show.
The band closed with Vices from their 2012 album Challenger, the show then came to a close; much to the dismay of the roaring crowd.
By Rebecca King
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