First off, Murder By Death is quite probably the worst possible name for one of the most gorgeous-sounding bands around. It has been argued that MBD is a confused band, that it never seems to know for what genre it is writing. The honest truth is its music encompasses the most important characteristics of some of the best music to come out in the history of rock. Though this was more apparent on "Like the Exorcist but More Breakdancing," "Who Will Survive, And What Will Be Left Of Them?", MBD's second release on New Jersey's sensational Eyeball Records, offers newinsight into the band's interests.
Opening with a haggardly-recorded and distant-sounding ragtime piano player crooning, "The Devil in Mexico" takes old-West bar sounds to a new level, infusing them with sweeping and somber cello and the slightest hints at trip-hop break beats, making for an exciting entrance to an all-around interesting full length. Throughout this first song, the most noticeable change is the amount of vocals, which were relatively sparse on "Like the Exorcist ..." This is a welcome addition, as Adam Turla's vocals are one of the most powerful instruments that MBD offers. The melancholy mood continues through "Killbot 2000," which feels much like a B-Side off Cursive's "The Ugly Organ," and is carried through to the aptly-named "Intermission," which features the same distant and distorted piano that opened the record.
The second half of the record opens with the ivory-driven "A Masters In Reverse Psychology," and further continues with the depressingly beautiful soundscapes that clutch all of "Who Will Survive ..."
"The Desert Is On Fire" is the only track that stands out as a shift in tone, with a much more upbeat and rocking feel. Desperate key touches are replaced with foot-stomping progressions. Tired drums are kicked up a notch, throwing the beats per minute into the 150 area from the low 90s. Maybe most noticeable, though, is the change in bowing styles, which veers away from intimate minimalism for quick strokes and vibrant rhythms.
On the whole, "Who Will Survive ..." is a beautiful and melancholy work that will equally satisfy fans of both Cursive and Coldplay. However, if you're looking for the Cure-infused vocals and electronic aspects of "Like the Exorcist...," you're in for a wholly different experience.
