Count your blessings for Cursed Murphy
COUNTY Wexford rockers, Cursed Murphy Versus the Resistance, have just released their fourth single, ‘Climb’, and it’s a raucous rock ‘n’ roll affair.
One of the most intriguing acts on the contemporary Irish music scene the band is spearheaded by the charismatic, author, journalist and broadcaster, Peter Murphy.
Commenting on the track to this newspaper he admitted it’s ‘the closest thing to an orthodox rock song’ the ensemble has released thus far.
It begins with a repetitive and pulsating bass line and comes across like the angst-laden offspring of Talking Heads and Kraftwerk.
However, it’s Murphy’s inimitable poetic-driven vocal style that gives the track it’s distinctive vibe.
Guitarist, Dan Comerford, creates a wall of noise soundtrack on which Murphy lays down his vocal delivery.
The relentless German, industrial-inspired drum track, was created by special guest on the recording, Marc Hillis, from Laminate and Ger Fox Sailing.
The single also features a stunning cover painting from band member, Tamara Gangnus.
Murphy said the track was written ‘on a caffeine buzz on a summer’s day at co-producer Johnny Fox’s studio on Rosslare Strand’.
‘I came into the studio with a handful of words and a crude rhythm idea,’ said Murphy.
‘Then Dan arrived and started spraying all over it like a tomcat [and] six hours later we left with something that sounded like bits of My Bloody Valentine or Nine Inch Nails,’ he added.
The video for the song saw the band members get creative during the current lockdown and it utilises footage the six members shot on their phones while on lockdown.
The footage was then edited by Dan Comerford into a full-on triple screen, image overload, alongside phone capture of Hillis’s live-in-the-studio performance, filmed on the day of recording.
Cursed Murphy is the musical incarnation of Peter Murphy – who is the author of the novels ‘John the Revelator’ and ‘Shall We Gather at the River’.
He is also presenter of Cursed Murphy’s Podcast, while the Resistance is composed of: Dan Comerford (guitars); a four-piece drum squad composed of the Gangnus sisters Rebecca, Tamara and Jasmin, and Kevin Dillon.
The sextet describe themselves as ‘a mutant ninja, spoken-word punk rock ‘n’ roll band’.
The first Cursed Murphy single, ‘Foxhole Prayer’, released in September 2018, was chosen as Hot Press magazine’s track of the day, and received airplay at home and on the BBC, while the Roberto Forte directed video for the follow up, ‘The Bells of Hell’, racked up thousands of views in its first 24 hours online.
‘This Cursed Earth’ followed, showcasing the band’s moodier, subtle side.
The ensemble has earned a serious reputation as a live act over the past year and will release their first album, ‘Cursed Murphy Versus the Resistance’ at the end of the summer.
The band will continue with its live gigs as soon as the current restrictions are lifted.
‘Climb’ is now available on all digital platforms and the band can be contacted through cursedmurphyinfo@gmail.com