When 2017’s ‘Cities In Search of a Heart’ makes an appearance amongst the 2000’s classics, ‘Mercy Is Asleep at the Wheel’ shows that The Movielife are still able to balance ferocity and melody to devastating effect almost two decades down the line. ‘Ski Mask’, a particular highlight of the recent full length, highlights the fury which still pulsates through the band’s music.
An interesting dialogue about Mr Big (“that’s Mrs Big to you…”) results in ‘Once In A Row’ being played as a fan request. Before the band careen into ‘Scary’, reflect with ‘Pour Two Glasses’ (a new track about Vinnie’s recent marriage) and positively destroy the venue with a thrilling version of ‘Jamestown’.
Several things are apparent from tonight’s show. Firstly, that the majority of The Movielife’s material may be over a decade old, but it easily stands up to the offering of modern peers. Secondly, the band’s own new material is able to hold its own against the classics and, finally, The Movielife are very much in this for the long haul.