Memphis May Fire- Sleepwalker

Memphis May Fire’s full-length debut, Sleepwalking, might be the first post-hardcore/metalcore album that has really hooked me all year.  I keep coming back to it again and again, yet I’ve been sitting on how to write this review for weeks now.  The issue is that the Sleepwalking doesn’t do anything particularly different from ordinary hardcore bands, but sounds well out of the ordinary.

The Texas five-piece subscribes to a fairly safe interpretation of the genre.  Lead vocalist Matt Mullins sounds comparable to cleaner screamo acts like Allexisonfire’s Dallas Green, while supporting vocalist Kellen McGregor provides forceful hardcore bursts.  The effect is welcomingly melodic, but maintains an edgy execution that exceeds the sum of its parts.

Memphis May Fire plays with a genuine drive that reveals a band that loves their genre, but isn’t content with merely reproducing existing sounds.  A real rock n’ roll meets southern rock undertone runs throughout Sleepwalking, and is probably most responsible for developing the band’s unique personality.  The opening track, “North Atlantic Vs North Carolina,” opens with a distinct southern flare channeled through heavy riffs and short but precise solos.  Thankfully the band realizes that too much personality doesn’t always lead to a good thing.  The southern influence ebbs and flows throughout the album, picking up with particular strength during tacks like “You’re Lucky It’s Not 1692” and “The Face With No Name,” and practically vanishes altogether during tracks like “Been There, Done That” and “Quantitiy is Their Quality.”  Admittedly the band feels a little generic upon peeling their rock sound back for too long, although they remain undeniably solid.

Adding to the layers of depth, post-hardcore influences further enhance Memphis May Fire’s appeal.  Throughout the album, Sleepwalking balances moments of hardcore enthusiasm with instances of deep reserve.  The most obvious example, “A Giant In A Giant’s World,” injects an almost Brand New-like essence into the heart of one of the album’s most energetic tracks.  Memphis May Fire understands an audience’s need for a well-paced album, and consequently provides listeners with the time to collect their thoughts without jeopardizing the album’s natural flow.

Truth be told, I didn’t know how much I loved Sleepwalking at first listen.  If one were to simply sample the tracks briefly one might be inclined to dismiss Memphis May Fire as average, or maybe even mundane.  But I assure you, the group somehow stands apart from their peers, showing a willingness to empower an often stagnant genre.  Sleepwalking grew on me over time and has since cemented itself in my daily listening habits.  Trustkill were wise to pick this one up; strongly recommended.