Irish folk trio Saltaire have released a live performance video for their debut single 'The Axe.'

The track, written by guitarist Ian Kinsella, is a contemporary take on the ancient "murder ballad" sub-genre of folk music. It is inspired by the true story of the Axeman of New Orleans, an unidentified serial killer from the early 1900s.

The Dublin-based trio - comprised of Kaitlin Cullen-Verhauz (vocals, cello), Kinsella (guitar) and Conor Lyons (bodhrán, bouzouki) - bring together diverse influences from Irish and American folk and trad music. All members are long-time session musicians and have been part of acclaimed groups including The Bonny Men and Frankie Gavin & De Dannan.

'The Axe' features regular collaborators Ryan McAuley (banjo), Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin (flute), Catherine McHugh (piano), Laoise Fitzgerald (backing vocals) and Alex Borwick (trombone).

Speaking about the track Kinsella said: "I looked into the story further only to find that the whole expanse of it was beyond belief. It showed how mass hysteria can gravely impact human behaviour and that the depravity of the Axeman was not in isolation.

"I wanted the song to sound macabre, but also to employ a thematic idea of the opening music to superhero shows. While the Axeman was absolutely no superhero, the moniker could easily pass for one, and applying this theme in the music adds to the dissonance of his own perception," he added.

The production incorporates jazz, trad and folk elements.

Saltaire recently performed at the Feile Binn Éadair festival with Ó Ceannabháin, following performances at Whelan’s, The Button Factory and the St. Patrick’s Day Festival Quarter.

You can check out the new video below: