Makeup, metal, and an affinity for the theatrical made for a stunning performance as Motionless in White returned to The Academy in Dublin to kick off their 2018, The Graveyard Shift Tour. With their new album of the same name currently doing the rounds to high acclaim, MIW left little to be desired on a snowy January evening.
Support on the night came from none other than Ice Nine Kills from Boston, MA. Delivering a tight set, and a handful of songs the audience clung on to, their true winning component was an energetic and charismatic front man known simply as Spencer. If the voice seemed a little strained from projecting his screams in one or two places, Spencer still gave the Irish audience all he had to give, who responded joyously, creating flows that resembled cute Conga lines rather than the customary sweat soaked circle pits. When all was said and done, Ice Nine Kills left the stage to an audience well and truly won over.
When their moment finally arrived, Motionless in White charged onto the stage to their latest albums opening track, “Rats”, and didn’t let up charging for a second throughout the show. From more recent classics such as “Reincarnate,” to their sing-along anthems in “A-M-E-R-I-C-A,” and the humble tributes to their elders in the form of “Necessary Evil”, the band delivered a show that was such sheer good fun to be a part of, with the MIW guys definitely bringing their A game.
As singer Chris Motionless expressed to the crowd just how long they had been waiting to bring their full ensemble performance to the Irish audience, fans were treated to a spectacle of colourful bonus characters, with super soakers, dishing out candy, red roses, and drawing everyone in that bit closer. So much so, the stage barrier was essentially an illusion. And if this wasn’t enough, the bands superb light show also warrants a mention, as does their live sound, both of which were on top form the whole night through.
As the night progressed, other set highlights, and there were more than a few, included the two part “Dead As Fuck”, “Abigail” which saw Ice Nine Kills Spencer return to assist on vocal duties, and a cover thrown in for good measure as the done to death “Chop Suey!” by System of A Down made an appearance. Some playful stage banter with the audience and a sincere outpouring of appreciation to all in attendance, Motionless in White came, met, and exceeded expectations as they so regularly do.
The evenings closer, the well placed “Eternally Yours”, saw the set through to its final moments. Yet as house lights came up and fans scurried around looking for guitar picks and candy, from over the sound system The Cranberries ”Linger” filled the auditorium. A poignant and heartfelt nod of respect to the immeasurable talent, and immeasurable loss, that was Ireland’s own, Dolores O’Riordan. Rest well Dolores.
When it comes to the future of industrial Goth metal, Motionless in White are certainly banner men worthy of carrying the flame to the next generation. If things don’t always ring true in the studio on occasion, they certainly translate through their live show, which delivers an unforgettable experience that transcends any potential misconceptions. A force to be reckoned with, with a riveting live show as their backbone, the future looks bright for Motionless in White.