I had no idea who Murder By Death was before their show at the Bottleneck on Saturday evening. I now pity myself because I’ve been missing out on years of Death’s musical awesomeness. 
After grabbing a cold (as in partially icy) beer, I took a seat towards the back of the venue to listen to Cowboy Indian Bear‘s opening set. I wasn’t planning on reviewing them again because I recently saw them open for Peter Bjorn & John. After seeing their set a second time however, I felt it necessary to add a few comments about their music.
CBI’s sound is diverse. At times, the band layers light bells and tiny chimes over deep, new wave synths. CBI can quickly change gears, though, and produce songs that are influenced by old country or classic 60s spy tracks.
The second opener, Suzannah Johannes, used her water-like guitar strumming and vocals, mixed with a supporting keyboard and male vocals, to put on a quiet, ambient folk performance. Although her blues, speak sing voice flowed over her songs’ beautiful melodies effortlessly, the set didn’t hold the crowds’ attention. Johannes did mention that her drummer was absent that evening, so her performance may have been better received if the other musician was present.
When Murder By Death launched into their first song, “Ball & Chain,” Adam Turla‘s (vocals, guitar) flame shaped black guitar carried the band into a blazing Americana rock out.
When Turla sings, it’s like he’s biting the heck out of something. His words come out heavy, while teeth gnaw and distort the song’s dark, menacing lyrics. Atop his performance, his lean frame and stoic face, dressed with dark hair and thick sideburns make it obvious that Turla is a man who shouldn’t be messed with.
The four-piece’s loud sound was superb. Sarah Balliet‘s cello, mixed with Matt Armstrong‘s bass, Dagan Thogerson’s percussion, and Turla’s vocals created a haunting wall of sound.
The next song, “52′ Ford,” had a massive bass line that rumbled through the venue’s walls and concert goers’ heads (many folks without ear plugs began to cover their ears at this point). Balliet’s cello added a sweet yet gritty overtone to the tune, and her multi-colored dress jerked in each direction the musician moved her body.
Many of the songs Death played had a Gogol Bordello franticness, and the melodies and lyrics were quirky and dark, similar to Scott Weiland’s solo work.
Early in the set, Turla said whenever the band came to Lawrence, Kan., it was impossible for them to stay sober, no matter how hard they tried.
“There’s no escape.”
“It’s like you guys have a booze lazer,” Turla said.
Turla also said the band was supposed to be taking a night off (they’re currently touring with the Gaslight Anthem), but decided to headline in Lawrence per a friend’s demand.
“There’s no sleep for the wicked.”
After concluding “Fuego,” Murder By Death began to play “Steal Away.” The song was cool, and calm. The melody elicited thoughts of a small, smokey jazz hall filled with mirrors, and lit with lamps that gave off green hues.
Towards the middle of MBD’s set, the band began to down more drinks. I’m pretty sure they consumed most of the whisky at the Bottleneck that night.
Something I enjoyed about MBD’s performance was that Turla often gave a background to the songs the band performed. One was described as a “party song” about gypsies, and their “fuck all” attitude. Turla labeled another tune as the band’s “manic song,” which incited the crowd to whoop with joy. He then said he had no idea why such a depressing song could make everyone happy, but accepted the response and went on. Turla simply said another song was just about whisky.
After walking away from the stage, the band quickly returned for an encore. Turla said tonight was a rare occasion because Balliet wanted to tell everyone a story.
Balliet said after the band played a show a few evenings back, a girl approached her to tell her how much she loved it when Balliet played the bass (pronouncing bass like the fish).
“I smiled and said thank you.”
Turla then said the band would play two old songs. The last song of the evening, an instrumental piece, was the perfect way to end the awesome evening.
Set list:
Ball & Chain
52′ Ford
The Black Spot
The Organ Grinder ?
A Masters In Reverse Psychology
Fuego
Steal Away ?
Shiola
Three Men Hanging
I will call this the “Gypsy Song”
One More Notch
Brother
Another song Turla deemed as horridly depressing
That Crown Don’t Make You A Prince
The song Turla said was about whisky
Until Morale Improves The Beatings Will Continue
Knife Goes In, Guts Come Out
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I’m Afraid Of Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf
Instrumental
