Dublin band The Murder Capital have stormed to No.1 on the Irish Album Charts this week with their second LP, Gigi's Recovery.

In the process, the Dublin outfit have managed to dethrone Taylor Swift's Midnights, as well as stepping ahead of Dermot Kennedy's former No.1 Sonder and SZA's SOS. This is the first time The Murder Capital have reached the top spot – making it a historic occasion for the band, and for the new generation of Irish rock bands.

2019's When I Have Fears climbed to No.2 in their homeland when the critically acclaimed debut was released, also cracking the UK Top 40 by surprise. The current Hot Press cover stars are scheduled to play Vicar Street on February 26th, offering fans the opportunity to see what promises to be a blistering live performance.

The John Congleton produced second album was released on January 20th via Human Season Records. The 12 songs of Gigi's Recovery push the band into ever braver sonic territories. Electronic elements are noticeably more prominent across the record, with industrial influences explored in greater detail than ever before and James McGovern's bold melodies acting as a reassuring anchor offering powerful continuity amid the glorious change.

In a 9-star review for Hot Press, Will Russell described The Murder Capital's new direction as "a giant leap from a band who were already on fire."

"Never mind an evolution from [When I Have Fears], on single ‘A Thousand Lives’ alone, the band traverse wonderfully diverse sonic terrain," the review states. "Across Diarmuid Brennan’s slick drum and bass percussion, James McGovern channels a Jim Morrison LA Woman-era accusatory love poem to the city at night, the canvas flecked with wonderful guitar licks and ingenious effects – utterly enthralling."

The quintet delivered an epic acoustic show for the LIVE@ALOFT series in Aloft Dublin City last night, performing a string of hit singles to the delighted crowd.

• The Murder Capital play Vicar Street, Dublin on February 26th

Read The Murder Capital's fascinating cover story with Hot Press in the new issue, out now.