Marble Factory, 24th February
On The Murder Capital’s tour for their new album, Gigi’s Recovery, the band take their art apart and put it into practice. The concert is a riot, and The Murder Capital make a killing.
James McGovern gives new definition to what a frontman can be. He takes elements from Joy Division’s Ian Curtis in his baritone delivery, then steals away with ex Kasabian’s Tom Meighan’s ability to rile up a crowd until they’ll carry you home. McGovern’s songs suck the soul from the room; people hold their breath when they’re not singing the words.
There’s a newness there, too; a part that’s all his own. He has the voice of a goth from a skipped generation. It’s an attitude he pairs with black sunglasses and, considering the context, it feels like wearing casualwear to confession.
In the landscape of flourishing post-modern and post-punk Irish bands – think of Fontaines D.C or Just Mustard – The Murder Capital may well pose the bleakest perspective of the place. The album Gigi’s Recovery – one which documents sobriety, poverty, and mental health in a tell-all display of honesty – is a psychological exorcism.
The moshes – which begin at ‘More Is Less’, continue into ‘Slowdance II’, and reach their zenith at ‘Green and Blue’ – are the physical flipside. The stage and crowd work through their feelings in instinctually opposite ways, but both end in catharsis. It all feels like desperation, but the best possible kind; wanting something so badly that the feeling leaves bruises.
Raised up by moody symphonies and discordant drumbeats, The Murder Capital stake their claim on the post-punk scene through the heart. They leave the audience exhilarated and the stage without fanfare; the exhausted applause soundtracks their final Irish exit.
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@katejeffrie
Kate Jeffrie @katejeffrie
Role: Lead Writer / Interviewer
I review gigs, and interview bands and musicians.
Available For: Gig Reviews, band interviews
Qualification: I study English Literature at the University of Bristol.
First attended gig: The first gig I remember going to see was Lewis Watson when I was 13, at a pub a few towns over from where I lived. My friends and I all loved him, and I remember how shocked I was that someone I had on this pedestal could be stood on a stage just a few feet away, drinking a beer and playing guitar!
First gig reviewed: The first gig I ever reviewed was Palace at the O2 Academy Bristol. As a band I wasn’t particularly well acquainted with, it was a testament to how live music can bowl someone over, even when it’s coming from strangers.
Dream gig: My dad saw The Smiths on their first tour, and since they’re my favourite band, I think seeing them in an intimate venue would be a dream
Isaac Stubbings @ilnsimages
Role: Photographer & Reviewer
Hey! I'm a photographer who uses music as a core influence in all my photography. I love looking towards colour and lighting to try and emulate a narrative that enhances my work.
Qualifications: I study Photography at the University of the West of England, Bristol.
Available for: Gig Shoots, Photo Shoots, Album and Single cover shoots and Touring
First attended gig: The first gig I went to was to see the band Beach House in Brighton when I was about 14. It was in a big church and I remember the dreamy vocals and synths sounded amazing with the acoustics of the place. After that, I was hooked on the experience of going to see live music.
First gig shot: In college I shot a couple of my friends’ bands in tiny venues, but I think the first proper gig I shot was Newdad at Thekla. Wanting to get back into music photography, I reached out – not really expecting to hear back – and it meant a lot to me when I was put on the list to shoot one of my favourite bands. It was such an enjoyable and rewarding experience for me, so after that I was set on pursuing it further.
Dream gig: Big question. There are so many I could think of, but it would have to be The Cure in a small intimate venue.