The Murder Capital's ‘Blindness’ Review: A Dynamic Exploration of Urgency

Experience the raw energy of The Murder Capital's new album, ‘Blindness’, showcasing their relentless creativity and experimentation.

Introduction to The Murder Capital's Creative Evolution

The Dublin-based band, The Murder Capital, has been transparent about their feelings toward their previous album, ‘Gigi’s Recovery’. They’ve candidly remarked that it felt “overwritten,” stemming from an extensive nine-month writing process that lingered in a tranquil Wexford country house and continued for three more months in London. In their own words, “inertia let itself in the back door.” Their latest endeavor, ‘Blindness’, presents a stark contrast to this experience.

A Return to Raw Creativity

During a recent gathering in Dublin, the five-piece band, now dispersed across various cities, engaged in an intensive writing session, crafting 12 songs in just 10 days. Following this whirlwind writing spree, they recorded the album in an astonishingly swift three-week burst in Los Angeles with producer John Congleton, who encouraged the band to reject the traditional demo process in favor of simply using phone recordings.

Explosive Opening with ‘Moonshot’

The album kicks off with ‘Moonshot’, an opener that showcases the benefits of their newly streamlined process. There’s no slow build here; the record launches into full throttle from the get-go. The sheer intensity of the track, a cacophony of chainsaw guitars and rapid-fire drums, is palpable. Recorded in the final two hours of their studio session, you can feel the urgency in Jimmy McGovern’s voice—a hoarse and frayed delivery that captures a final rush of energy.

Exploring Depth with ‘Words Lost Meaning’

Following the explosive opener, ‘Words Lost Meaning’ dives into a delicious gloom, enriched by deep guitars and a sultry bassline, complemented by eerie keys that create haunting countermelodies. The band then pivots back to an upbeat tempo with ‘Can’t Pretend To Know’, where razor-sharp guitars fire off in all directions, maintaining the relentless momentum that characterizes the initial tracks.

The Double-Edged Sword of Immediacy

Yet, the album’s immediacy can occasionally feel like a double-edged sword. After the adrenaline-fueled opening trio, the track ‘A Distant Life’ shifts into a bouncy indie rock style that, while enjoyable, slightly deflates the momentum. Meanwhile, ‘Born Into The Fight’ presents a two-part structure that oscillates between contemplative verses and aggressive choruses but ultimately falls into an awkward middle ground. ‘Death Of A Giant’, a tribute to Shane MacGowan, paints a vivid picture of a funeral procession they observed during their writing sessions, yet it leaves the listener longing for deeper exploration.

Embracing Experimentation

Despite these occasional hiccups, ‘Blindness’ stands testament to a relentless spirit of experimentation. The track ‘Swallow’ introduces listeners to delicate psychedelic glimmers that captivate the senses. Meanwhile, ‘Love Of Country’, which was recorded in a single live take, unfolds as a sprawling meditation on the complex interplay between patriotism, nationalism, and xenophobia. This track showcases McGovern’s songwriting at its most incisive. If The Murder Capital aimed to liberate themselves from the shackles of inertia, then ‘Blindness’ can be deemed a resounding success.

Album Details

• Record Label: Human Season Records
• Release Date: February 21, 2025

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Murder Capital’s ‘Blindness’ takes listeners on a thrilling ride through the band's creative evolution. With a blend of urgency and experimental sounds, this album is a must-listen for fans and newcomers alike. What are your thoughts on their latest direction?

FAQs

• What themes are explored in ‘Blindness’? The album delves into themes of urgency, identity, and the complexities of national pride.
• Who produced The Murder Capital's new album? The album was produced by John Congleton in Los Angeles.
• How does ‘Blindness’ differ from ‘Gigi’s Recovery’? Unlike their previous album, ‘Blindness’ embraces a more immediate and raw creative process.
• Are there any standout tracks on the album? The opening tracks, including ‘Moonshot’ and ‘Words Lost Meaning’, are often highlighted for their high energy.
• What is the overall reception of ‘Blindness’? Critics have generally praised the album for its experimentation and urgent sound.

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