Murder By Death
The Luminaire, London
08/06/2010

Tonight, Murder By Death transform The Luminaire into an all-out Wild West bar, as they coyly make their humble entrance onto the stage. Heads bowed, eyes down, the quartet begin.

The band start with ‘Brother’ a grandiose opening track that sets the standard for the evening’s performance. Fantastical electronic cello sounds convulse mystically with the acoustic vibrations of frontman Adam Turla as he bellows out vocals full of passion.

Then, as Turla spurs his audience to “take a sip of whisky…” - it’s almost as if The Dubliners have invaded the stage, and Murder By Death are fully embracing the old school tunes of Irish-folk. Then comes ‘White Noise’. Bringing forward the collective’s darker side, it’s reminiscent of Blue Oyster Cult, haunted by the sweet sound of the electric cello, whilst Turla’s intimidating vocals come on like a grizzled, freshly-exhumed Johnny Cash.

OK, they didn’t play Hype Machine-favourite ‘Fox Gloves’, but who’s counting? With a crowd so supportive and songs full of true, honest talent, Murder By Death should be celebrated for many years to come.

Frazer Lawton