Fresh off a run with filling in as vocalist for Anberlin, Matty Mullins and the boys of Memphis May Fire are back on the road themselves. Along with them are the amazing talents of Caskets, Wind Walkers, and Elijah. This was a tour I have, personally, been looking forward to for quite awhile. I mean, come on. You have the powerhouse that is Mullins, the heartfelt lyrics of Caskets, the mesmerizing and atmospheric sounds of Wind Walker, and the pure, raw, energy of Elijah. This was going to be epic, and anyone paying attention would agree to that.
Now, while technically in support of Memphis May Fire, anyone of these artists could have been headlining this tour. Seriously, the support of the crowd proved that. However, if you had to pick anyone to open for you, when you have such a distinct style, Mullins and crew did right by everyone in having Elijah take the stage first. If I had to describe what you’re seeing and hearing by being in front of Elijah, it would be a perfect blend of hardcore and emotion. Songs “Virus” and “Human” had the entire crowd in their feelings, while “Underrated” had the floor going in a crazy pit. This is the second time I’ve had the pleasure of seeing him perform, and I was no less than impressed at his commanding presence. Well done, friend, well done indeed.
Remember when I said any one of the artists on this tour could have been headlining? Wind Walkers is no exception to that. While this was my first time seeing them live, I have been listening to them for a couple years now. If you haven’t, checking them out would be a major positive in your life, especially if you are a fan of band like Bad Omens.
What really sold me on them with this performance? Their stage presence is that of bands that have played sold out stadiums. I could see it and the crowd was eating it up too.
Musically, they could not have sounded better. Getting to hear my personal favorite, “Drowning Hymns” was icing on the proverbial cake. Really, you should listen if you haven’t yet.
Unfortunately, now is the time where I tell you the bad news. One of the things I was most excited for was to see Caskets. Haling all the way from Leeds in the U.K., they had quite the trek to get here for this tour. Sadly, technical difficulties prevented them from preforming, leaving a hole in my heart on this on one. Hopefully, the rest of tour goes without that kind of hiccup for them.
All of that sadness aside, nothing was going to hold this crowd back from the excitement that was to come.
Eighteen plus years the members of Memphis May Fire have been making music and playing together. In that amount of time, they have released numerous singles, wonderful albums, and created a fan base worthy of the utmost respect. From the moment they stepped on stage, you could see the pure happiness and enjoyment in everyone faces, Mullins included.
Opening with the title track off their latest album, “Shapeshifter,” it was nonstop energy and movement the entire night. We were treated to a set spanning their entire career, with fan favorites like “Vices,” “Chaotic,” as well as my personal favorites “Misery” and “Necessary Evil.” Fourteen songs later, we were gifted two more song for an encore, and let’s just say its well worth seeing the show live for how great those are. Yes, I am going to keep them a secret. Go see them on a date near you now. You will not be disappointed.
All in all, despite the sadness of not seeing Caskets perform, this was a top tier show for me. Between the wonderful crowd, amazing performances, and an immaculate vibe, this was one show I can say, without a doubt, you need to see. Unforgettable does not even come close to describing it.
Leave a Reply