Following their well-received eponymous 2020 debut, Cursed Murphy Versus The Resistance return in a somewhat more pensive state on Republic Of The Weird. While the eight piece ensemble once channelled their anxieties and fears into the charged punk rock ethos of their self-titled record, two years later the band feel content to take a more nuanced and insightful approach on this follow-up.
The intense instrumentals and raging vocals of earlier tracks like Burn Hibernia Burn and Bells Of Hell are replaced here with a contemplative brand of post-punk (Hold That Line) and krautrock (Republic Of The Weird) which is well suited to Peter Murphy’s existential sermons as the frontman explores issues both personal and societal over ten spirited tracks.
Thematically, Republic Of The Weird addresses the increasingly bizarre sensation of living through modern times, with dystopian themes that reference real life events and experiences over the past decade. Drawing on a range of styles and influences from sci-fi cinema to gothic literature, the octet paint a murky portrait of current society as they examine war, politics and the collective angst of the post-pandemic era.
Although the spoken word performances and ambient instrumentals of its second half don’t land as effectively as a stronger, rock-oriented front section, overall Republic Of The Weird is progressive in its dialled back nature and depth of perspective, as Cursed Murphy flesh out their ideas both instrumentally and lyrically on an intriguing sequel.
Words: Andrew Lambert
Cursed Murphy Versus The Resistance – Republic Of The Weird
[Self-Release]
