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Biography
Named after the 1976 Robin Moore film of the same name, Murder by Death originally performed and recorded under the moniker Little Joe Gould. Comprised of guitarist Adam Turla, cellist Sarah Balliet, percussionist Alexander Schrodt, keyboardist Vincent Edwards, and bassist Matt Armstrong, the band’s early local shows caught the attention of labels TEAM AV and Eyeball Records. After forming in 2000, Little Joe Gould issued a self-titled, debut EP before contributing the track “I’m Afraid of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf”, to the TEAM AV compilation “Foreign Nationals” in 2002.
Following an 11-date Southern American tour alongside Volta Do Mar in early 2002, Murder by Death, as they were now known, issued their debut album “Like the Exorcist, But More Breakdancing” in August 2002. Released by Eyeball Records, the album significantly raised the profile of the group and led to opening slots in support of Cursive, Interpol, and The American Analog Set. The band’s concept-themed, sophomore album, “Who Will Survive, and What Will Be Left of Them?” followed in October 2002, documenting a war between the devil and a small Mexican border town. Earning a string of positive reviews, the record features Gerard Way of My Chemical Romance and was once again supported by generous touring.
Murder by Death’s third album, “In Bocca al Lupo”, arrived in May 2006, followed by “Red of Tooth and Claw” in 2008. In 2010 the band released their fifth studio album “Good Morning, Magpie” which marked their first album to chart on the Billboard 200. Released on Vagrant Records, the album paved the way for their most successful release to date, the full-length, “Bitter Drink, Bitter Moon”, which rose to No. 76 on the Billboard 200. After the release Murder by Death signed with Bloodshot Records who issued their seventh studio album “Big Dark Love” in February 2015.
Live reviews
When I was 14 years old, I saw Murder by Death live for the first time. My older brother had introduced me to their music and convinced our mom to load us up into her mini van and drive us 2 and 1/2 hours to a dive bar in Fairfield, Kentucky for the show. I am now 24 have since been to upwards of 20 MBD shows in the past decade.
Murder by Death's music is not easily defined. Each album tells a story and each song within that tells another. I remember at one show lead singer Adam Turla describe it as whiskey devil music and that's how I prefer to describe it now. But don't let that or the name scare you off, the melodies range from apocalyptic ballads to bright and upbeat tunes.
I never have more fun than when I'm watching this band perform live. Catch 'em in concert, do it with a bourbon drink in hand and you'll wanna see them 20 times too.
megan-fries
I was so excited to get to see MBD and especially Amigo the Devil, who has gotten me through some very rough times. Unfortunately, due to the widespread panic of Covid-19, my partner and I were unable to attend the show. Such a bummer, but at least they still get my money (I can only imagine how much artists who have to cancel their tours will be affected by this). I will catch them the next time around! Love you Amigo xoxo
amelie_lynifer
First time I've ever seen MBD. Defiantly won't be the last. I've been listening to them for about a year now and I can't stop. The jinx is a cool little venue. I've been there for a few shows before. It was really easy to get right up front for both bands. Can't wait till they come back :). Got a few of them to sign some stuff for me. Really awesome group of people!
anthonyjniosi
