When I went to see Egypt Central for the very first time, more than a year ago, I was apprehensive. I’ll be honest, I fully expected them to suck live. I had heard all the hype, watched a few amateur videos on YouTube, kept my expectations low. I must tell you now, they have far and away exceeded my wildest expectations. They’re more than just pretty boys who can play a pretty tune. They’re more than just another sleaze rock band that Memphis is renowned for breeding. They’re more than just another one of my flavor of the week bands. Their songs are emotionally charged. Every single person out there has lived some small part of what the lyrics convey. They are “feel good” tunes, when you need to get lost in the vibe for awhile, it’s the cure for what ails you. Watching one of their performances, it’s impossible not to get swept away. You can’t just stand by and watch from way in the back. You have to shag your ass right up front, pushing and shoving your way so you can get close enough to get sweat upon. I’ve never seen a crowd react quite this way, except at metal showsit’s sheer insanity. The fans are charged, their adrenaline is pumping, there’s a tangible electricity in the air, an overwhelming surge of anticipation. Then when the show does startit’s pandemonium more pushing, more shoving but, after all, if you don’t go home bruised and bloodied, you didn’t have a good time. Watching one of their performances is like watching a circus. Joey Chicago (Fabulous Abulous) is one of the most outstanding bass players on the scene today, half naked, he struts across the stage, leaps from the speakers, the amps, the rafters, just fascinating to watch. Heath Hindman Unleashing His Inner Heathen all over the place a most energetic guitar hero. Jeff James is a sight to behold as he sports massive amounts of hardware on his person and I knew him when played guitar in Twinkie’s band NothingMore. It’s a two prong guitar assault. Blake Ellison is an amazingly talented drummer, and ever so entertaining to watch. But I can almost guarantee that all eyes are focused front row center on Mr. Egypt Central, Sir…John Falls. His charisma, his passion for his craft, his complete command of the audience is quite simply breathtaking. There’s not a woman alive who doesn’t imagine that he’s singing to her. His screams, his whispers, his dreads,his ink …the man just takes your breath away. He’s got a voice like a wicked dream you don’t want to wake up from. I went home that night convinced that this was indeed THE NEXT BIG NAME TO COME OUT OF MEMPHIS. It’s been a long time since I’ve been this stoked about a band. They have what it takes to achieve legendary status. It won’t be long before they’re everywhere you look, every time you turn around.
Once again, it means something to be in a band from Memphis.