Murder By Death
Red of Tooth and Claw
Vagrant (2008)
With their fourth full-length album, Murder by Death has finally brought all their varying influences together. Each of the band's previous recordings focused on a general indie rock sound, but they also flirted with various musical styles: folk, country, Americana, classical, and post-punk, among others. But with Red of Tooth and Claw all the band's previous flirtations and even some new romances have come together into a sound that is truly unique and, dare I say, brilliant. Red of Tooth and Claw begins with the "Comin' Home" and you are instantly surrounded by the bellowing vocals of Adam Turla. Low-lying basslines provided by Matt Armstrong hang off just before everything erupts with Dagan Thogerson's punching drums and Turla's jangly guitars. You've heard this before? How could I forget the element that makes Murder by Death so distinctive? Sarah Balliet's string arrangements add a sensual emotion to the band's music as the notes dance around the rest of the music. Here on the opener Balliet also contributes skills on what sounds like that of an old organ, given the music a vintage sound. The album continues with "Ball and Chain," a song that is rather evocative of Nick Cave's catalog with … Read more
Basalt Fingers
Basalt Fingers
Three Lobed (2007)
This album definitely puts the "post" back in post-rock. The album consists of only two tracks, each clocking in over … Read more
The Carrier
One Year Later
Rock Vegas (2007)
Sometimes I wonder if there is any passion left in hardcore - and not passion to be popular, but a … Read more
Demiricous
Two (Poverty)
Metal Blade (2007)
These four hellraisers are, if not his new favorite band than, at least highly revered and recommended by Slayer's Kerry … Read more
Skullflower
IIIrd Gatekeeper (Reissue)
Crucial Blast (2008)
Skullflower is the long running project of Matthew Bower, but in its initial incarnation the band did have other members … Read more
