Electric Bristol — formerly known as SWX — was packed to the rafters as Dublin’s The Murder Capital brought their Blindness tour to town. Before they took to the stage, support came from newcomers Cusk, fronted by Esmé Creed-Miles. Their set of unreleased material was atmospheric and promising, setting the tone for the evening.
The Murder Capital emerged to an electric reception, opening with “The Fall,” the haunting first track from Blindness. Live, the song’s shifting dynamics hit even harder, moving from fragile quiet to explosive noise in seconds. “More Is Less” and “Death of a Giant” followed, ratcheting up the intensity as the floor became a swirling mass of bodies.
The night leaned heavily into their latest record — a decision few would argue with. Blindness showcases a more expansive sound for the band, and live it feels even more vital. James McGovern remains a magnetic presence, his voice veering between a whisper and a howl, while the band’s unorthodox guitar work and brooding energy gave the evening real weight.
There’s a feeling tonight that The Murder Capital are moving into the next phase of their career – and in this form, much bigger rooms surely await.
The Murder Capital
Crus
