After a blistering opening 20 minutes, Murder Capital frontman James McGovern looks like he needs a breather. He sits down. His legs dangle off the edge of the stage. The lights dim. Shrouded in darkness, he makes a sombre silhouette. He keeps his head down as he sings. Light sporadically reflects from his small, gold hoop earring. His voice is mournful. Yet, even as he whispers, it remains deep and commanding. He stands up to finish the track. His fists clench, as he bellows out the words, “You could have watched it all.”

The Murder Capital’s talent is evident. Judging by the turn-out tonight, the word’s out: the Dublin-based five-piece are a must see.

Their sound is defined: a distinctive post-punk noise that sears the skin. Their performance is honed. The band radiate intensity. The rhythm section is pulsating. Bassist Matt Wilson thrusts his instrument forward like a bayonet. The band’s interactions are vital to driving energy levels up. Guitar and mic cords accidentally coil around each other in the bedlam. As the guitarists stand guard on either side of the stage, the frenetic guitar riffs they deliver are electrifying.

McGovern tries to encourage some mild mayhem in the audience. All the musical ingredients are present for a heaving mosh pit. Alas, his nudging goes unheeded. The crowd remain still, eyes glued to the stage. It can only be unfamiliarity with the material that holds the audience back. That problem will be remedied with future single releases.

It’ll be a challenge to transfer The Murder Capital's raw live sound onto record. They need a gritty recording that mirrors their grassroots ascent and captures their rambunctious attitude. Nothing clean. That might be a good title.