Not only did I get to witness one of the best bands live at NYC’s Bowery Ballroom for a sold out show, but I had the opportunity to interview them to. Okay, well at least one member, Adam of Murder by Death, early that Friday at WSOU. He spoke about the concept for the new record citing it as, “a long form narrative.”
Turla said, “The idea is it’s the story of a guy who is sort of an angry, young son of a gun. Basically, he’s traveling, trying to get home for the purpose of revenge. And it’s his trials of the journey. He gets home and realizes he’s been motivated for the wrong reasons. He decides to change his life. It’s a tale of youth and anger turning into something better and more wise.”
About the title, “Red of Tooth and Claw” for the album Turla said:
“It’s a quote from a Tennyson poem. The reason we chose it was because…one of the themes of the album is this guy is very animalistic and motivated by quick, gut reactions and sort of fight or flight attitude. When he realizes he’s turning into something he doesn’t want to be he realizes he’s turning into a wild dog. I like the animal connection. They talk about nature being of red and tooth and claw.”
He surprised us with a live version of “52 Ford” in the studio. He also noted that the new album was the most upbeat and concise of the bands previous efforts. Photos are available here.
The concert that night was amazing and fitting. I made my way over with Gery for a smashin’ birthday treat for him. Before going inside I saw Sam and Rebecca of Kiss Kiss. They remembered me from SXSW, which was cool and we chatted for a bit. They seemed so psyched to see me and I as well.
Kiss Kiss played 45-minute set consisting of old and new songs. They played favorites, “Machines,” “Satellite,” and “Shits in Suit” along with three new songs. They caused some havoc, knocking over the drum set during their last song, “Virus.” Though, when I saw them at SXSW it was a crazier set, and much intimate as I was right up front to wise the chaos. But Sam’s expressions will also get me, he puts his feelings into his performance.
O'Death was rootin' tootin' folk/country/rock fun from
Soon enough Murder by Death would grace the stage to perform an hour and 15 minute set spanning their whole discography. They played a wide mix of old and new songs, including from their Little Joe Gould days. They opened with "Sometimes the Line Walks You" and closed with "The Desert's on Fire." I had so much fun. Even so the people around me noticed. Midway through the set the girl in front of me that kept looking back at me finally spoke to me, saying I must really be into them. She asked if I was from around here. The whole night I saw so many industry folks and band members, including Adam who introduced me to his friend and thanked me for coming to the show. It was a swell time. Definitely makes my top shows list.
Photos of the night available here.
Kiss Kiss Setlist (in order):
Iris and Eye
Machines
The Cats in Your House
All They Draw (New)
Through the Day (New)
Satellite
Shits in Suit (dress up)
Virus (New)
Murder by Death (not in order):
Sometimes the Line Walks You
‘52 Ford
Fuego!
I'm Afraid of Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf
Brother
Comin' Home
Ball & Chain
Steal Away
Ash
Devil in
Killbot 2000
Until Moral Continues, the Beatings Will Continue
Dead Men and Sinners?
Boy Decide?
Dynamite Mine?
Encore:
One or two songs oldies I don't recall
Desert's on Fire
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