Music is an art, and oftentimes musicians will use their art to tell a story - concept albums have become increasingly popular in recent years. Murder by Death dabbled in this genre with their previous effort, Who Will Survive, And What Will Be Left of Them?. And while they have cast aside the extended storyline from their new full-length, In Bocca Al Lupo, the music and lyrics still tell picturesque stories. (It has been noted that this album is based loosely on Dante's Inferno, though I have no confirmation on this.)
Each song on In Bocca Al Lupo contains an interesting narrative, all of which are told with vivid details, and yet sometimes with such few words. On the album opener, "Boy Decide," vocalist Adam Turla's recites a story in his best Tom Waits voice chronicling a boy's struggle to forgive himself. The accompanying music evokes the deep thought often involved with such a situation. And with the well-placed use of cellist Sara Balliet throughout, the mood is expressed perfectly and you can't help but become the boy in the story.
As the album continues on, so does the dark subject matter of the tales told. "Dead Men and Sinners" is essentially a narrative told by a ship full of drunken pirates of their mutiny against a captain. And, ironically, that is exactly what it sounds like - a drunken sing-along. "Brother," the first single, is a bit more upbeat musically. Strong basslines and fluid drumming team with on-the-move strings and the final result sounds quite like recent Cursive. In addition to the familiar music, the story is one that we've all encountered on one level or another - the story of a brother's protection of his kin, no matter the consequences.
Towards the later part of the album, things tend to tone down musically. "The Big Sleep" and "Shiola" are quite mellow and fairly influenced by traditional country and folk music as evidence of Turla's Johnny Cash tinged vocals. "Shiola" is the standout track of In Bocca Al Lupo with its poignant acoustic guitars flanked by foot-tapping and the faint use of keys and strings.
Lyrically, Turla is an excellent writer. If this whole musical career doesn't pan out he should try his hand at writing books. Take this excerpt from "Sometimes the Line Walks You":
Oh this women and gin / go together like the devil and sin / her hair is like wheat her lips are like wine / gonna meet her at the end of the county line / jailbreak tonight, bring on the floodlights / in a few more yards we'll reach the line / and meet up with a friend of mine / the dogs are comin' swift and mean / but I'm hungrier than they have ever been.
In Bocca Al Lupo isn't a huge departure for Murder by Death, but it is a different listening experience than its predecessor. Its broadened sound will no doubt bring in new listeners, but it will not alienate the bands existing fanbase. If you're seeking an indie rock band that ventures outside the norm, I suggest purchasing this album.
