How The West Was Won

This week I’ll be talking about the mid western group, Murder by Death.

Hailing from Indiana, this four person alternative rock band has caught the attention of a growing underground population. This group may sound like a hardcore, metal, head banging extravaganza. But don’t let the dark and sinister name fool you. The name, Murder by Death comes from a 1976 Robert Moore movie of the same name. The band uses the traditional instruments that any other rock band uses; including guitar, drums and bass. However, what gives the group their unique sound is an electric cello. Played by Sarah Balliet, the only girl of the group, the cello lends the band a western saloon style sound, which is being called “Americana noir” and is complimented perfectly by Adam Turla’s (lead guitarist and vocalist) deep, Johnny Cash like, vocals.

The group is infamous for creating concept albums. If you don’t know what that is, it’s an album that tells a story. The Who’s “Tommy” or Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” are examples of this. Since they began touring back in 2000, Murder by Death has released four albums. Like the Exorcist, But More Breakdancing, Who Will Survive and What Will be Left of Them?, In Bocca Al Lupo and their most recent (which came out just this March) Red of Tooth and Claw. Who Will Survive and What Will be Left of Them? is the story of the devil going to a town in New Mexico and the battle that ensues between him and the people of the village. The album has such hits as Killbot 2000 and Until Morale Improves the Beatings will Continue. In Bocca Al Lupo is also a concept album, which is translated from Italian as “in the mouth of the wolf.” However, instead of each song being part of a larger story, Adam Turla has said that it is more of an anthology of short stories, all of which are about guilt, redemption and sin. Some hits off of this album are Boy Decide, Dead Men and Sinners, Brother and Sometimes the Line Walks You.

If anyone is reading this on Wednesday (the day I’m posting it) Murder by Death is actually playing TONIGHT at Valentine’s on New Scotland Ave. Tickets should be no more than $12 if you’re interested. Enjoy the tunes!

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