Memphis May Fire

In spite of all of assurances to the contrary, Memphis May Fire epitomizes almost every stylistic facet of the post-emo/hoodie-core generation as they search for the next big thing to latch onto. There are varied but restless song architectures, smart-aleck titles having little to do with their actual lyrics, and even a thinly veiled "got-Jesus-if-you-want-him," Christian rock connection -- great! Make that very thinly veiled where the blatantly prayer-like "Neutron Cameras vs. Smuggled Nuclear Bombs," is concerned; less so on the storytelling likes of "Therapy Caravan of the Fair Room" and "History of Mercia," whose titles and lyrics finally shake hands and get to know each other. Thankfully, all of the above, plus additional Mad-Libs-generated titles like "Cowbell's Makin' a Comeback" (no cow, no bell, just plenty of gooey teenage love) and "Conjunctions, Conjunctions, Everybody Loves Them" (a little drier and more mature) generally impress in terms of instrumental prowess and the aforementioned varied architecture; clashing metallic hardcore against emo melodicism with unpredictable audacity and unhinged creativity. Oh, and there's not a single chorus or hook in sight -- never mind the promised Southern rock angle...this is as Southern as Alaska! Rather, Memphis May Fire are all about instant impact with minimum aftertaste, and it remains to be seen whether anything lasting will come of them yet.