Under the Flesh

While the image, and to an extent the music, might be cloaked in Goth, Murder of Crows can't be easily pigeonholed. Under the Flesh is an intriguing mix of craft and spontaneity, with the Deuce's guitar work consistently fleshing out well-considered songs over the power of a muscular yet restrained rhythm section. With tracks like "Confession," "Hypocrite," and "Saint of Killers," there's a darker edge to their sound, but it's not all swathed in black--plenty of instrumental light comes through the cracks to shine on the bleakness. It's a difficult balance but one that the group pulls off well. Murder of Crows might not change the face of music as we know it, but they certainly add to it in a very positive way. --Chris Nickson

It's assertive, it's angry, it's dark. It's goth music without the whining or the keyboards. It's beautiful music for an ugly world. You'll like it.

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