Clawing to the top

Bloomington’s own eclectic act Murder By Death has risen through the ranks of music fairly quickly over the past five years. Its use of diverse song arrangements and the concept record has garnered the band loads of respect. Now its members are looking to continue their success with a new record label – emo-scene powerhouse Vagrant - and a new album, Red of Tooth and Claw.

Murder By Death’s new album presents the band’s unique style: Adam Turla’s raspy vocals, creaky arrangements and fascinating lyrics. The band has said that the theme of Red of Tooth and Claw centers upon “Homer’s Odyssey of revenge, only without the honorable character at the center,” arguably the most interesting story they’ve based an album on.
 
“Fuego!” includes all the band’s best into one great song. The twangy guitars in the opening lead into Turla’s smoky vocals, as he sings “The heat floats on top of our skin / Like an ice cube in a glass of gin / I can’t even hear the words you say / I need to leave, but I want to stay.” The song recalls a dirty, hole-in-the-wall tavern in an authentic way.

The album’s closer “Spring Break 1899” is a bit of a diversion because the band ignores the usual epic-ness and instead simplifies things to create an earnest track. While the verses are reminiscent of a 1950s ballad, cellist Sarah Balliet’s work and Turla’s heart-wrenching vocals dominate from the midway point on.
 
For new listeners, the biggest issue with Red will be the inability to relate to some of the lyrics. Artistically, the words have a lot of value because they weave together the tale told by the band, but they don’t make an automatic connection emotionally. Lyrics such as “The ghosts were howlin’ in the late afternoon / We were singin’ along to the same old tune” from “Ash” are a perfect example.

With their new album, Murder By Death continue to challenge their own style. Although at times alien, Red of Tooth and Claw will eventually latch into your mind and blow you away.