The Murder Capital

It's been a shit year in some ways, politically, MFC, my general health (though I soldier on) etc. but what has been notable is the amount of great new music.  I've managed to get my arse into gear actively listening to new stuff and I've been to 2 very good festivals.  My beloved EOTR at the end of August and Twisterella  which I reviewed (no less) a few days ago.  Interesting (to me anyway) factoid - both have been nominated for the Independent Festivals In At The Ground Floor award.  Fair play, great category to be nominated in.

EOTR is of course my first love with lots of Americana/Country/Alt folk I'm generally well in my comfort zone but this years line up seemed to include a load of young shouty punk bands. Normally ouch but a couple of them were really good,  Fontaines DC and The Murder Capital, both from Dublin (not sure how that's going to pan out in the UK, post Alexander Boris dePfeffel Brexit).

Maybe more later about Fontaines DC but I was particularly taken by The Murder Capital.  The rock'n'roll thing has of course all been done time and time again but The Murder Capital were a bit different, visually at least.  Their live show was well choreographed and theatrical.  They'd clearly taken time to put it together and it was well worth the effort.  It had an intense gangland theme and they had quite a swagger.  One of my picks of the festival.

I've got the album now and after a more considered listen I'm still going with my initial instinct that they give a clear nod to Joy Division musically, especially with the bass line melodies and drum sound/patters.  Thinking of Life, Green and Blue and the brilliant Twisted Ground with a classic beautiful Hooky type bass line.  Still, very good and in truth imo preferable them to Joy Division.

The benefit of having a low readership is that there'll be no death threats for me making that comment.

On Twisted Ground - The Murder Capital