Something Like Sound

Murder By Death is a group that does not fit into categories easily. Perhaps that is what makes their music appealing. The quartet from Bloomington, Indiana, draw their specific sound from an eclectic mix of cello, electric guitars, vocals similar to those heard on old Johnny Cash records, and lyrics that are oftentimes morose, dark, and thought provoking. They have toured with the likes of post-hardcore pioneers Thursday, punk rockers Against Me!, and rock-a-billy giant Reverend Horton Heat.

Murder By Death debuted on Eyeball Records with their first album Like The Exorcist, But More Breakdancing, followed by 2003′s Who Will Survive, And What Will Be Left of Them? These releases garnered the band some attention, but their big breakthrough came with their 2006 album In Bocca al Lupo, a concept album about the ideas of sin and punishment in the old west. In 2007 Murder By Death signed to punk and emo label Vagrant Records, releasing their newest album Red of Tooth and Claw earlier this month.

Adam Turla’s deep, resounding vocals fill the first track as he begins with the words, “By the light of the moon, I’m coming home.” The story that unfolds on the disc has been described by Turla as a “Homer’s Odyssey of revenge, only without the honorable character at the center.” An old fashioned mix of western beats and piano fill “Ball & Chain,” giving a bit of contrast to the album’s first single “Fuego!” At this point in the story, a woman with a fiery personality and passion enters the scene. The protagonist fervently seeks the woman, but fears that he won’t find true love with her. The haunting instrumental track “Theme (For Ennio Morricone)” follows, and sounds like it could have been the background track to an epic western film. Seeking revenge of one variety or another, the protagonist becomes a merciless spectator to the demise of his enemies on “A Second Opinion.”

The story takes a turn as the protagonist convinces his nameless lover to run away with him on “Steal Away.” Fire comes back into the story line as flames engulf the protagonist’s home and possessions on “Ash.” He learns about the other side of vengeance and loss through the last part of the album. His best friend is doomed on “The Black Spot” and he runs away yet again in “’52 Ford.” The story comes to an end on “Spring Break 1899,” when the protagonist snaps out of his violent tendencies and sobers up. He tries to cover his pain with a variety of quick fixes, never finding contentment.

Murder By Death is one of the most intriguing bands performing today. Their music is deep and not easily digested, but does tell an epic story about the price of revenge and the pursuit of happiness.