‘Can’t Pretend to Know’: The Murder Capital’s Take On The Innocence Of Adolescence

‘Can’t Pretend to Know’ is The Murder Capital’s latest single, marking a year since their last track ‘Heart in The Hole’ was released. 

The single shows a return to their post-punk roots with screeching riffs and high energy that feel reminiscent of the bands 2019 release ‘Don’t Cling to Life’. 2024 saw The Murder Capital supporting grunge legends Pearl Jam in the European leg of their ‘Dark Matter’ World tour, and the moody basslines and effects on the track feel reminiscent of 90’s grunge.

The song's opening drum fill sets off the almost furious tone that follows through the song. It's powerful and thrashing with a guitar riff that keeps appearing like a “hurricane”. Piano chords throughout the chorus add another dimension to the track and contrast the harsh guitars, creating a fuller and more nostalgic atmosphere. The lyrics of “And killed what we had dreamed  /  I’m just a placid figurine  /  So I can’t pretend to know” conveys the essence of childhood lead singer McGovern talks of saying it is “A surreal look at childhood innocence and all its replacers, those delicate bridges we burn as we move through the strangeways of our youth.”

James McGovern’s repeated line of “Can’t pretend to know” and “No, I don’t” through the single sound as though he is asking, begging for someone to understand him. This breathlessness in the lyrics and vocals creates a sense of desperation, wanting to reflect on the past and childhood innocence which is illustrated in the single’s cover: a red scribble-like drawing like a child's art project. The song is exciting as it builds with a catchy hook that stays playing in your mind long after the first listen. As the track begins to wind down for a moment, the guitars quieting and piano coming through stronger, it provides a good time to listen and breathe before the lyrics come shattering through again, breaking the silence and ending the song on an energetic high.

This single comes ahead of the third album for The Murder Capital and although the album is yet to be given an official release date, they will be supporting Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds on their tour and so the promise of new performances from the band remains.

Isabel McDermott

@Isabel_mcdermott_

Image: ‘Can’t Pretend to Know’ Official Single Cover