The Murder Capital is an Irish Post-Pock Band known for their dark and visceral sound, which has been on our radar since their emergence. With their compatriots, Fontaines DC, popularizing this sound, The Murder Capital has been making waves in the music scene. Formed in 2018, the quintet has already demonstrated their power in their debut album, WHEN I HAVE FEARS (2019), which features an abrasive yet atmospheric sound with free-shaped guitars loaded with immense environments.
In 2023, they launched Gigi’s Recovery, an album that showcased their growth, and now they’re back with Blindness, written and recorded with a completely opposite philosophy, characterized by a sense of urgency. The band has declared that this album was created without demos, with the band recording everything on their phones before entering the studio. This approach was proposed by producer John Congleton, who wanted the band to capture the spontaneity of their performances without overthinking the process.
The Murder Capital’s Triumph with a Change in Philosophy
The urgency and post-punk elements are prominent in Blindness, with the band delivering a phenomenal production. The album features a sense of desolation and urgency, which is transmitted through the almost spontaneous recording process. The band’s declaration that they didn’t want to “start overlapping clues or anything similar, but simply record everything with the phone” is evident in the final product.
The intense sound that The Murder Capital is known for remains intact, with tracks like “MoNshot” and “Can’t intend to know” showcasing their abrasive sound. However, the album also features ballads like “Words Lost Meaning” and “Love of country”, which are clinics of reality against heartbreak and feeling lost in a chaotic world.
A Gloomy and Intense Path
The Murder Capital’s sound is still characterized by relentless batteries, dissonant guitars, and the distinctive voice of James McGovern. The lyrics explore issues such as mental health, existential anguish, and the complexities of human relations. The most accessible tracks feature James’s vocal melodies, which shine between intentional chaos, such as “The Fall” or “That Feeling”.
The album has a lot of merit, having been composed with a mentality different from its predecessors, and shows that the band has reached a level of musicality and understanding. Imagine the complexity of getting to the studio without demos or a roadmap on how to touch the songs. Blindness is a great album by The Murder Capital that follows the congruent line with what they have shown in their past, although it’s not the easiest to listen to.
If you’re a fan of Joy Division, the rudeness of John Talbot of Idles, the sound depth of Skinty Fia (2022) of Fontaines DC, and the dark atmospheres of Savages, this band is for you. Physical versions of Blindness are available, and the band will be on tour until August, with possible dates on our continent by the end of the year.
