Review: Memphis May Fire - Unconditional
[Rise Records; 2014]
Rating: 8/10
By Ethan Forness, Contributor
Key Tracks: “No Ordinary Love,” “Speechless,” “Divinity”
One might think that a band from Dallas, Texas would name itself after a place more exotic than Memphis, Tennessee, but that’s not the case with metalcore rockers Memphis May Fire. For their third full-length album under Rise Records, Memphis May Fire offers Unconditional, the highly anticipated follow up to Challenger.
Unconditional is full of solid breakdowns, thought-provoking lyrics and pure awesomeness. It’s not a masterpiece, but the album makes it easy to get lost in 11 reasonably timed tracks.
“No Ordinary Love” is a fitting start to the album, as Memphis May Fire establishes its footing and shares a hard-hitting taste of what lies ahead, which is predominantly fast-paced and sometimes melodic instrumentation balanced by lead singer Matty Mullins’ growls and pleasant vocals. It’s immediately apparent that not much has changed, but with a set formula and three successful albums prior to Unconditional, is that such a bad thing?
With songs like “Beneath My Skin” and “Pharisees” there is more than enough to get any venue jumping, and well balanced by the run-of-the-mill change-of-pace songs “Need To Be” and “Speechless.”
“Speechless” is ironic in the purest sense of its meaning as Mullins sings about being speechless. Irony aside, Mullins does leave listeners with a subtle, well-placed metaphor: “For a moment, I’m a poet without words / Speechless because you love me at my worst.”
“Need To Be” gives a personal look into Mullins’ life, a glimpse into how religious influence inspires him to improve as a person: “I just hope they see you / When they look at me / Because you are everything that I need to be.” The lyrics are enough to give any listener chills and it only sounds better with each listen.
Rise Records has been on the gas pedal of late with the releases of Restoring Force (Of Mice & Men) and Issues (Issues) since late January, and Unconditional only adds to their recent stellar output. Memphis May Fire should never change their formula and approach to making albums; the band produces consistently solid music worthy of multiple listens.
Conveying an altogether positive message, this album fits any kind of mood and will pique the interest of even casual listeners. Even for someone who has never listened to Memphis May Fire before, Unconditional provides an excellent opportunity for newcomers to join in the fun. Praise aside, it doesn’t really represent a significant step forward from Challenger, but a faithful fanbase and fresh songs will carry this album far.
[1]: [2]: [3]: https://www.facebook.com/issuesofficial
