Review & Photos: Robert O’Connor
Amidst the sweat, broken glass, strobe lightening, dry ice and dizziness, Humanzi front man Shaun Mulrooney announces “We don’t know if this is the last song we’ll ever play together or not” bringing a half expected, but dreaded end to an amazing night. Earlier it had seemed the gig was turning from a once off, unofficial goodbye show into a boisterous comeback party, intent on reminding the crowd why Humanzi were once dubbed ‘Ireland’s favorite band’. On Shaun’s note, worst fears are realized and it’s time to truly bask in what could possibly be Humanzi’s last ever show together.
The Workman’s Club may be only open a few months but already it’s lost the title of Dublin’s newest venue, perhaps a sign that live music really is on the comeback. Arriving around eight, the clubs 1st floor bar is already beginning to pack up with a whole host of cardigan clad men gripping fashionable man bags and assorted scarf’s draped around their necks. Not really in keeping with The Humanzi style so presumably The Workman’s is already pulling in a regular contingent. Downstairs, the venue begins to pack up with supporters for one of North Dublin’s best kept secrets, The Murder Clues.
For the last 2 years, The Murder Clues have grown from a young, inexperienced group of hopefuls into a real live force to be reckoned with. Each gig they play adds new songs to their repertoire and with each new note, the band display a quickly growing maturity and real talent. Recent singles Any Other Way and Things That By Myself I Just Can’t Find get things off to a comfortable start before the crowd are treated to three new tracks, all showing surprising diversification from each other and a whole host of influences that form together and give the band their very own sound. The lads may still be working to find a collective stage presence, but judging by tonight’s performances it won’t be long before everything falls into place.
As the house lights go down and industrial techno sounds fill the room, the crowd begins to pile in. It’s been far too long since Ireland had a chance to catch local heroes Humanzi on a live stage and tonight’s show comes under the unofficial presumption that the band have decided to call it a day. After relocating to Berlin a few years ago to record their second album Kingdom of Ghosts, news about the band began to filter through rarely and when the album was released there was no promotion, no availability aside from iTunes and no-show to launch it officially. A great contrast to their debut record, Tremors’ release to say the least. Most in attendance tonight are less worried about the future or the album, they’re just happy that Humanzi are here, they’re about to come on and they’re bringing war with them.
The band’s classic Diet Pills and Magazines kicks things off to a more restrained start than usual from the notorious hell raisers. Seeing as the band haven’t performed together in so long, it’s no surprise they take time to find their places on stage but musically you couldn’t ask for more. Shaun’s vocals take a little time to warm up to their old high-pitched, punky shrieks but things quickly fall into place during second song Tremors. Just because their last album didn’t get a massive release doesn’t mean the band are ignoring it as new songs, Bass Balls, Just Like Bukowski and Hammer are all belted out with Humanzi’s old fury and power. This is the point where the night really begins to look like a Humanzi show as shirts come off, sweat begins to flood the band and crowd alike and drink demands start to filter down from the stage. Out On A Wire sparks a mass sing along and pogoing begins around the stage before the dramatic Black Sunrise shows a much darker side to the bands writing. Straight Lines quickly whips people back to their feet and new song, Dogs sparks hopes that this may not be the end of the band. Shorter and Fix The Cracks entice an explosive reaction from the packed crowd before the band close the main set with Baby I’m Burning and Neu Tune.
After a short break, the band arrive back on and play another new song, Shoot Speed/Kill Light once again giving hope to the belief that this may be a comeback show rather than a farewell part but those hopes are dashed as Shaun makes the announcement that the next song could be their last. With that, the crowd in complete shock erupt to the opening notes of Get Your Shit Together and an immediate stage invasion takes place sending fans, bottles and glasses flying. The band briefly move to the back allowing fans to take over vocal duties before returning to the forefront, all pulled together singing. Moshing, stage diving and crowd surfing all breakout as crowd and band become overwhelmed by a strong Carpe Diem euphoria.
With the floor swimming with spilled pints and the stage covered in broken glass the band depart what could possibly be their last ever show together leaving a trail of destruction, excitement and some of the best songs ever written by an Irish band in their path. The sadness of Humanzi’s announcement will come tomorrow. For now one thing is certain, if this has to be the end at least they went out with a bang.