A record on Murad's wall is printed with the Dark Phantom logo.

It's a mock up. Murad dreams of a vinyl pressing, but so far they're having trouble finding a label to promote their debut, full-length album, which they've just finished mastering. Murad has contacted 50 labels, but so far only three have replied. “And they said we had to send a hard copy!”

Their album is called Nation of Dogs and they have the album art ready. It shows a parliament of dogs and donkeys surrounded by piles of money – designed to represent Iraq's corrupt leaders. The album records their frustrations of growing up in a city where options for young men are limited.

Despite the 17 billion barrels of oil that have been pumped from under the city in the past 88 years, there's little to show in Kirkuk in the way of development. The guys from Dark Phantom are acutely aware of the wealth that has seeped out of the city and are frustrated that none has trickled down to them. Despite exporting thousands of barrels a day, "there's still no money,” Murad says.

“Ali Baba, Ali Baba,” Mir chants by way of explanation. “Thieves, thieves.”