Not a beatbox in sight
'Like the Exorcist, But More Breakdancing' is Murder By Death's first album from 2002 re-released alongside the second album on the back of current album 'Il Bocca Al Lipo'. Hailing from Indiana the band have received much critical acclaim and this is a chance for new fans to check out the bands roots.
Beginning with a lengthy instrumental 'Those Who Stayed' it sets the scene early on for an album full of avant-garde, quirky and yet soulful music. What sticks out a mile is the bands originality, certainly they take their influence from many different styles and genres but mix it all up to produce their own rather unique sound.
The vocals of Adam Turla aren't the best, they are quite flat (in production not tune) but it works and strips away any thoughts of pretence, giving a raw edge. The use of cello, supplied by Sarah Balliet is a flash of inspiration and is what really gives the band a distinct sound. This doesn't feel like a collection of songs, more like a journey through an epic soundscape full of twists and turns. There are some dark corners and scary places but you'll round the corner and run headlong into a joyous mix of piano, guitar and drums! It can make for uneasy listening in places and you couldn't call it catchy, which may limit their appeal but for those on a similar wavelength I suspect this will be hailed as a masterpiece.
It's not until track four 'You are the Last Dragon (You possess the power of the glow)' that the pace picks up and we get something resembling a more conventional song structure. Even here though they cannot resist breaking it all down, chopping and changing tempos with alarming regularity before it blends into the minimalist and haunting 'Joe Bou'. As an album it flows well without ever really producing a real highlight, it works far better as a complete work and really challenges you to pay attention. 'Those Who Left ' is the sister instrumental to the opening track and whilst you might have thought it would work better as the closing track it does lead quite nicely into the amusingly titled (& far more laid back) 'Holy Lord, Shawshank Redemption is Such a Good Movie!'.
'Like the Exorcist, But with more Breakdancing' is innovative, creative and hard work but is ultimately a rewarding experience if you can get into the mood of it.