Murder By Death – Live (Aug. 9th, 2012)

Having seen the Indiana outfit several times in the past, last night was the first time Murder By Death finally seemed at home.

Walking into the packed venue mere minutes before the band hit the stage, it was clear from the start that this was the type of venue for Murder By Death. Jammed wall to wall with people, The Media Club’s small, underground atmosphere suited the grimy bar rock band perfectly. The humidity was at full force, everyone covered with a glistening layer of sweat even if they were just standing there with a pint of beer in hand and as Adam Turla launched into the bare bones Kentucky Bourbon to bring in the crowd- it just seemed right.

Pints of beer were raised and shots of whiskey passed around as the Bloomington five piece treated the energetic crowd to a nearly two hour, non-stop performance that celebrated their entire past and future catalogue.

The low-stage made cellist Sarah Balliet invisible to those in the back, bur Turla’s popping head had enough intensity to captivate those furthest back. His gravely vocals pushed them forward through You Don’t Miss Twice (When Youre Shaving With A Knife), As Long As There is Whiskey In The World, Sometimes The Line Walks You, Brother and Steal Away among others.

Building anticipation for their new album, Bitter Drink, Bitter Moon, they unveiled several songs from that album – turning one into a rousing sing-along that will surely become a live staple. Switching from a new track – possibly The Curse of Elkhart – into their 2002 opener I’m Afraid Of Whos Afraid Of Virginia Woolf showed just how much the band has progressed musically over the last decade. Despite the energy and excitement that the classic song enacted in the crowd, it clearly pales in comparison for what’s to come from the band.

Nevertheless, the night wasn’t all about the future. It was a retrospective as they picked songs from every album they’ve released and delivered them with ease and confidence. Dark and grimy, Murder By Death finally looked at home in the small venue and by the way everyone sang along to the closing refrain of  The Devil Drivers – it’s a safe bet that everyone felt at home there too.