Miss May I/Upon a Burning Body/Kublai Khan/Currents/A Sense of Purpose/Savannah Smiles

Upon releasing their sixth studio album Shadows Inside in early June, Ohio natives Miss May I come home for tonight’s the Shadows Inside Tour with support from Upon A Burning Body, Kublai Khan and Currents. Forming in 2007 in Troy, Ohio, Miss May I released their debut album, Apologies Are for the Weak, in 2009. The album features heavy, punched in the face guitar riffs and fast paced vocals courtesy of screamer Levi Benton. There are moments of breathing room as singer/bassist Ryan Neff eases the songs into the main chorus with his clean vocals. Despite the heavy, angry vibe, the lyrics are seamlessly infused with words of hope and inspiration, though the guys don’t necessarily consider themselves a religious band. Though Miss May I have been around for a decade, the sound and style hasn’t changed over time except for a slight shift into a more melodic style. (Adrian Leuthauser)