Memphis @ Union Hall

Last night [May 31st], Memphis, the "duo" of Torquil Cambell of Stars fame and Chris Dumont, played Union Hall. I put "duo" in quotation marks because that's what I was expecting. Except when the band was setting up after Mascot's set, I saw a violinist setting up her music stand, a drummer, a saxophonist, a bass player and a guitarist setting up his laptop. In total, there were seven people on stage, which sounds like it might be crowded up on the tiny Union Hall stage, but it wasn't. They made it work.

Mascot

Memphis

Overall, Memphis put on a solid set last night. The room wasn't completely sold out, but I'd say there was a nice size crowd there. I heard that their Joe's Pub show was completely sold out, so I'm assuming everyone went to that one instead.

Anyway, two highlights of the show for me were "A Ghost Story" and "Incredibly Drunk on Whiskey." During "A Ghost Story," Torquil got the sound guy to turn off all the lights and the audience to sit on the floor. It was a really unique experience to be sitting on the floor of a venue and watching a band, but it made the song much more meaningful for everyone. Both Torquil and Chris sat on the stage during that song. Then when the lights were back on and everyone was back to their regular scheduled positions, Torquil dedicated "Incredibly Drunk on Whiskey" to anyone from Long Island and "your trashy Long Island friend." Hmm, seems like Torq was a little trashed himself.
Also, it was the second night ever that Buckey Wheaton (formerly of Land of Talk) played with Memphis. He was great, but hit a few snags, and you could tell he was upset about it. Obviously a bit of a frustrating situation for him, but he completely pulled through.

Catch Memphis on these following tour dates, but pay special attention to the Mercury Lounge and Southpaw ones, cause that's when they'll be playing with Apostle of Hustle!

June 13th - Schubas Tavern - Chicago, IL
June 15th - World Cafe Live - Philly, PA
June 16th - Southpaw - Brooklyn, NY
June 17th - Great Scott - Allston, MA
June 18th - Mercury Lounge - New York, NY