Tag: big dark love

Vinyl Mag sort of has a soft spot for Murder By Death. MBD combines haunting melodies with a classical element in most, if not all, of their albums. The same goes for their newest album, Big Dark Love. Their timeless style and deep, smooth vocals are the signature of MBD, and combining upbeat melodies with haunting instruments and interesting perspectives on love make this album unique. In Vinyl Mag’s interview with MBD in October 2014, Adam Turla (vocals, guitar) explained, “There are a lot of songs that are darker love songs or non-traditional love songs…there are songs about the love and the fear that comes with a parent’s love; there’s a song that’s about a totally unacceptable, obsessive love. It explores the idea of love in different layouts.” Just in time for Valentine’s Day!

Despite the macabre band and album name, the opening tracks start Big Dark Love on an upbeat note. “Shot an Arrow” opens with a catchy beat and features that classical piano and old-time style that is typical of MBD. “Strange Eyes” follows with the same upbeat rhythm, along with a subtle harmonization to soften the energetic guitar riffs and the simple cello sounds. “Big Dark Love” returns to a slower melody, with echo effects and an ominous cello. Screaming vocals give this song, and a few others on the album such as “Shot an Arrow,” a raw and passionate sound.  Still, the vocals are deep and flowing, staying consistent with MBD’s folk-influenced style.

This folk sound becomes more prevalent in “Dream in Red,” which also has haunting lyrics and melodies. The faraway radio effect on the vocals makes the track sound vintage, while the elegant violins bring in a classical element. Similarly, “Last Thing” features some skillful banjo picking combined with a violin that gives the track a warm (again) folk sound with classical incorporation. “Natural Pearl” follows beautifully with simple, clear, and catchy lyrics combined with quick cello and guitar riffs mimic an old country love song. The album ends with “Hunted,” which has an ambient style with western style guitar riffs.

You might say Big Dark Love is different from MBD’s other albums in its portrayal of love and also its seamless transition and combination of genres. MBD’s subtle utilization of various instruments make their style somewhat contemporary classic. Big Dark Love comes out today. Buy it for your friend, lover, or mom. After visiting Stanley Hotel (the hotel where The Shining was filmed), and traveling from the west side and down the east coast, Murder By Death will finally make their way to ATL on March 12^th. See you there!

Tour dates here.

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