Red of Tooth and Claw
Murder by Death · 2008
37 min · 11 tracks · indie rock
A fusion of gothic Americana and indie rock, layered with narrative lyricism and cinematic soundscapes.
Top tracks — play these first
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Comin' Home — Opening with a haunting melody, this track sets a reflective tone that captures the album’s exploration of nostalgia and longing.
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Fuego! — With its driving rhythm and vivid imagery, this song stands out as a narrative centerpiece that encapsulates themes of passion and conflict.
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Theme (For Ennio Morricone) — This instrumental homage not only pays tribute to the iconic film composer but also showcases the band's cinematic influences and orchestral aspirations.
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'52 Ford — Short yet impactful, this track employs evocative storytelling through its nostalgic lyrics while maintaining a catchy melody that makes it memorable.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines strong narrative elements with dynamic arrangements, creating a distinctive sound within indie rock.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a slow build in 'Comin' Home', layering strings and vocals before introducing percussion.
- Several tracks feature shifts in dynamics, such as 'Fuego!' which transitions from quiet verses to explosive choruses.
- The use of narrative lyrics is prominent, with songs like 'A Second Opinion' telling a story that unfolds over the track's duration.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dark atmospheric storytelling vibes
- short bursts of cinematic energy
- engaging narratives in every track
- reflective moments with haunting melodies
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek long, sprawling epics
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on March 4, 2008, 'Red of Tooth and Claw' is Murder by Death's fourth studio album, following their 2006 release 'In Bocca al Lupo'. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their unique blend of storytelling and musicality, moving further away from traditional punk roots into a more eclectic sound incorporating elements of folk and orchestration.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Decemberists· Neutral Milk Hotel· Iron & Wine
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Comin' Home 3:35
- 2 Ball & Chain 3:02
- 3 Rumbrave 3:06
- 4 Fuego! 4:11
- 5 Theme (For Ennio Morricone) 2:49
- 6 A Second Opinion 3:19
- 7 Steal Away 2:05
- 8 Ash 3:32
- 9 The Black Spot 3:21
- 10 '52 Ford 2:25
- 11 Spring Break 1899 5:56
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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