the Murder City Devils

Editor's Review:

It’s said that change is life’s only constant, and though The Murder City Devils definitely have their own recognizable tone, they too are subject to nature’s only constant. In the case of the Devils, the change is more of an evolution, an album-by-album process of growth that finds this Northwestern six-piece honing songwriting skills and gaining a sense for grander production. From the group’s self-titled release through the most recent, In Name and Blood, it is now apparent this oddly named six-song EP shows evolution is evident.

The Murder City Devils still live up to their dark, nitro-charged reputations — songs like "That’s What you Get" and "Bear Away," the EP’s first two tracks, serve as a reminder of the kind of guttural, visceral, almost gothic punk rock the Devils became known for. But as Thelema plays the music gets deeper. The mood turns decidedly somber for "Midnight Service at the Mütter Museum," a power ballad-y number rich with resonant Farfisa keyboard licks and languishing, drawn out guitar cries. "Bride of the Elephant Man" carries a similar somber tone, while "One Vision of May" is marked by a driving guitar hook and machinegun-like play between the snare drum and tom.

Through all the screaming vocals, thunderous percussion and art-punk-inspired riffs there is a certain grandiosity; a dirty, haughty attitude that is exemplified in the song "364 Days." This is an intricately constructed number — including orchestral accompaniment — which, despite its high class posturing, smacks of The Murder City Devils’ status as gutter punk royalty.

Bookmark:

Record Label Sub Pop Released September 2001

Tracks That’s What You Get Bear Away Midnight Service at the Mütter Museum One Vision of May Bride of the Elephant Man 364 Days