The Murder Capital Go On An Urgent Alt-Rock Journey with Third Album 'Blindness'

Dublin-born The Murder Capital are back with their third album 'Blindness', a varied and energetic release that develops upon the group's previous two albums. While still keeping the electric energy and dark tones from their debut 'When I Have Fears', the band brings a more nuanced sound to the music, by expanding upon different themes and ideas in bold ways.

Opening track 'Moonshot' throws you immediately into the action, leaving no time to breathe before a hectic collision of guitars sets an unpredictable and energetic tone for the following tracks on the album. As an opening track, 'Moonshot' is filled with excitement. 

The next two tracks 'Words Lost Meaning' and 'Can’t Pretend to Know' showcase a different style and approach to sound. 'Words Lost Meaning' creates almost a sense of yearning, McGoverns' vocals providing a ballad-like chorus and repeating “Oh, I never need you to say, 'I love you'/The words lost meaning”. 'Can’t Pretend to Know', however, has a brighter and more energised atmosphere, but still holds the band's trademark eerie sound using distorted guitars and echoing piano chords. 

The next single of the album 'A Distant Life' takes the sound yet in another direction, with a catchy bassline running through the track, accompanied by bursts of screeching guitar riffs, making for a relaxed atmosphere. Overall, the start of the album immediately takes you on a journey of experimenting with sounds and themes, addressing the feelings of childhood, adolescence, and complications of relationships.

The following tracks 'Born into the Fight' and 'Love of Country' are mellow and introspective, showcasing the band's brilliant songwriting skills. 'Born into the Fight' explores ideas of uncertainty with the world and our place in it as the song oscillates between calm verses with emotional lyrics, and harsh, violent choruses. Both tracks take a more ballad-like structure and are a chance for McGoverns' vocal ability to shine. Similarly, 'Love of Country' paints a picture of the complicated feelings of national pride with lyrics like “Could you blame me for mistaking / your love of country for hate of man”. 

'The Fall' and 'Death of A Giant' are two of the best tracks on the album. Both move away from the quiet vulnerability heard earlier and instead feel energetic and full of power. They utilise interesting drum fills and patterns, giving variety to the album and keeping a strong life force throughout. ‘Death of A Giant’ refers to the death of The Pogues' Shane MacGowan, and could be seen as a release of emotions, even grief at the loss of an icon in Irish music.

The final three songs wrap up the album well. The dreamy and experimental ‘Swallow’ features unique guitar sounds. Its slower, calmer pace and psychedelic-tinged sound fit well as a break from the heavier tracks throughout. ‘That Feeling’ seems to be a reflection of romantic relationships and navigating feelings with lyrics like “That feeling, I wear it like a face / keep it for occasions when the feeling can’t be traced” giving a yearning feel to end the album. 

The final song ‘Trailing A Wing’ is starkly different from the album's opener ‘Moonshot’, swapping the violent energy for a slower, peaceful pace to round off and finish, keeping the moody atmosphere but featuring an almost wistful tone and capturing the emotional quality that runs through the album.

Throughout eleven beautiful songs, The Murder Capital have created a thoughtful and raw album, experimenting with different techniques and themes while still building upon the successes of their first two albums. ‘Blindness’ is a journey of driving stamina and energy, with slower elements to enjoy and meditate on. The Murder Capital will be beginning a European Tour this year.

Isabel McDermott

@Isabel_mcdermott_

Image: ‘Blindness’ Official Album Cover

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