Murder by Death, the Builders and the Butchers, Fake Problems
February 14, 2009
Bluebird Theater
Better than:Eating cheap chocolates from Walgreens 'cause your significant other forgot about Valentine's Day.
The Murder by Death show at the Bluebird brought all the jaded and lonely hearts together in one room. Starting the night off was Fake Problems, a group of talented kids who literally looked like they just stopped sucking on their mama's teat. Ring, ring... that's 1995 calling... evidently, it wants its sound back. Although Problems made for a great opener, with good energy and decent lyrics, the band just seemed to miss its mark in time.
Luckily, the Builders and the Butchers saved the day with their double drummer, country-rock infusion on hand to bring the mood back down to a pleasantly depressing level of euphoria. The place was packed, and you could feel that same energy resonate through the whole theater by the time Murder by Death took the stage to elevate the Valentine's Day blues factor to a whole new level. Songs from the act's new album, Red of Tooth and Claw, comprised an hour and a half of whiskey-driven rock and roll, while a video played in the background to keep all senses engaged. The video, which was in sync with the music and looked like something out of an art school kid's nightmare, perfectly set the mood for the other album that dominated Murder's set, Who Will Survive and What Will be Left of Them? - which the outfit also played in its entirety.
The most noteworthy thing about Murder by Death is its graceful way of re-creating the sound of the album while making it more raw and energized. The deep voice of Adam Turla perfectly completed Sarah Balliet on the cello, which made for a truly entertaining evening of great music and great whiskey. What better way to spend the most hallmark of holidays?
Critic's Notebook
Personal Bias: Murder by Death is one of my favorite bands to see live; they never disappoint and can play with just about any band in the world and rock it out.
Random Detail: The singer from Fake Problems' pants were so white and tight that it made me blush, and I was in the balcony.
By the Way: If you haven't heard Murder by Death, get on it. Also look out for the Builders and the Butchers; they come through town a lot and are equally amazing.
