Murder By Death // The Other Shore
Eight albums in, new release plays like a career retrospective
Murder By Death
Bloodshot Records
Eight albums in, it's refreshing to report that Murder By Death know exactly what kind of band they are. The kings (and queen) of goth-folk have made a career out of developing unique concept albums with a dash of the occult, delivered in a baritone that would make Johnny Cash blush. On The Other Shore, Murder By Death boldly goes the one place they've never gone before — outer space. The Other Shore plays like a career retrospective, bridging the world-building of the band's early work with the melodicism of their recent output. The detail put into sequencing here is part of why the album works; while its A-side remains safe but strong ("Alas" wouldn't sound out of place on any of the band's post-2010 records, and single "True Dark" recalls fan-favorite "Red of Tooth and Claw"), its back half confidently explores larger themes and new instrumentation (standout "New Old City" makes excellent use of synth, a sound rarely found throughout the band's catalog). The band may never go full-Radiohead while tinkering with their sound, but their best storytelling often comes from a familiar place. — Aaron Mook
