SOMA #4: The Murder Capital @ Cyprus Avenue 03/11/2018

SOMA’s monthly visit to Cork took place last Saturday, bringing one of Ireland’s most exciting bands to town, The Murder Capital.

Cyprus Avenue played host to SOMA’s fourth clubnight in Cork. They hyped up this one, stating it was going to be “the best one yet” with Silverbacks and The Murder Capital on the bill. No pressure then…

Silverbacks filled the venue with luscious melodies and then turned the vibe on its head with sharp, aggressive riffs. It was a bit like if early Bloc Party collaborated with Interpol. Fun hooks you could sway along to and then adrenaline-rushing riffs that would get the room bouncing.

It was a great balance with songs that were breezy and warming and then able to cut through you with a piercing intense instrumental. Songs like ‘Dunkirk’ and ‘Just For a Better View’ were solid examples of this. Along with a couple of new unreleased songs thrown into the set list, it was an exciting start to the night. SOMA delivering on their promise so far.

The Murder Capital have one song available to listen to or watch, I should say. ‘More is Less’ is on YouTube as a live session with SOMA and O’Hara. With just that out in the world, their reputation has been built purely by word of mouth. Soon to be supporting Slaves, in the midst of a tour around Ireland and embarking on a headline tour across the UK early 2019. Not bad for a band shrouded in mystery.

There was a sense of Joy Division about them, from the erratic and intense behaviour on stage, to the way they all dressed in black pants and grey shirts tucked in. Of course the music too, a lot of tension building melodies that’d then erupt in the most spectacular way possible.

Frontman James McGovern, would at times stare right through the crowd, meanwhile behind him, the rest of the band are going hell for leather, embracing the music they were performing.

It was a breathless performance, at one point while a harrowing guitar line oozed through the speakers, McGovern appeared to be taken aback as he sat on the edge of the stage, staring up at guitarist, Damien Tuit. Just like the rest of the crowd.

You could say many things about The Murder Capital’s gig in Cork. You could also sum it up in just four words too; it was fucking good. SOMA Promised it to be their best night in Cork yet. They delivered.

The Murder Capital support Slaves in Belfast and Dublin next week, while hitting the road across the UK in January and February. That includes a visit to Liverpool’s EBGBS on January 31st. Don’t miss it.

Photographs taken by Jina Estrada, check out her Instagram for more by clicking here.