The Murder Capital, Albert Hall. 16th February 2023

A Bristol band called Heavy Lung kick us off tonight. They are pretty heavy. The singer jerks around like a hardcore Jagger with his finger stick in a plug socket and the drummer, incapable of keeping his tongue in his head, nearly destroys his kit on the first song. Live they sound much denser than on record, but I like it. They’re fun to watch too and look at ease in a big room. Particularly the madman drummer who insists we sing happy birthday to his brother, happy 21st Arthur. It’s not all great, but there’s enough there to make me want to keep an eye on them. Tonight though is about The Murder Capital. I’ve been looking forward to this for a long time. Having seen them before, I know what’s coming, but in Albert Hall, this promises to be a bit special. ‘Crying’ echos delicately out of the gate with those haunting guitar swells and builds into a beautiful refrain, before James asks “Manchester are you ready for a dance?”. The pit kicks off as beer is flung in the air. James it seems is quite demanding though, wanting more, as appropriately ‘More or Less’ drops and he surfs into the surging pit with the strobes detonating around the room. Those deep vocals set the tone. Rich and powerful over beautifully controlled squall of guitars. He wants everyone fired up as they unleash ‘For Everything’. These songs are darker more primal, but there’s real beauty too. That grandiose guitar line from ‘Slowdance II’ is sublime and transports you as it reverberates around the room. It’s amusing to watch people trying to keep up with the complex rhythms of ‘A Thousand Lives’, those drums really keep you on your toes. They’re a complex band though. On record and even more so live. There’s an odd ambience in the room, but I like it. It’s dangerous, a bit nihilistic. The pit opens again for ‘Green & Blue’ and nearly swallows the entire floor space. They feel like a band looking to rediscover themselves. Truthfully it’s not always pretty, but there’s something unique about them. They’re not afraid to test an audience. James gazes up to the balcony during “Gigi’s Recovery’ “I can see the skyline flying by my window”, that voice soaring. It’s a majestic monster. Before the fury is back, James back in the crowd, feet lost in the air. Guitars stabbing the smoke filled stage and everyone singing every word. They close out with the anthemic ‘Ethel’. It’s full throated and utterly glorious. Special indeed. Tonight is the first night of this tour. The gauntlet is firmly down. Glasgow, over to you.