A departure of sorts, the six songs on Thelema find the six-piece exploring musical terrain that is as informed by the obstacles of their past as it is by an ambitious quest for the unconquered. It's a sound that can't be compared to the influences constantly referenced in early reviews of the band. Having served their purpose, those influences and markers have crumbled away and with Thelema The Murder City Devils have honed a vitality and style entirely their own, one that is elastic in structure, profound in its lyrical content, and melodic in tone.
S**M
Their Magnum Opus
This EP is very different from most of the rest of MCD's catalog in that the subject matter is largely occultist and the tone is introverted.This is not a great introduction to the band, but it's a great finale. This is what their career was building towards.All the regret and sorrow, the missed opportunities, the blame, the longing, the desire for more than themselves come together in these six songs. While I don't appreciate the occult themes themselves, this EP is about much, much more and is composed magnificently.
W**L
Aweome band. Awesome EP.
Great EP from one of the most raw bands in America. Great drums, great guitar, simple but very nice organ, great Spencer Moody vocals. Not sure how much more the Devils have in them, but I hope they keep playing shows every couple of years. The ONLY other band I can think of that has the same live intensity, while having a good onstage chemistry is the Dirty Mugs, from Oklahoma! Check them out[...] . I caught them at a show in Texas and it was unbelievably wild!
J**R
Up to the ears, up to the neck, it's for the curious...
Once again the Devils have outdone themselves. This EP literally kicks in the doors, climbs in the windows and mesmerizes the listener with wonderful dark howling and organ sounds for whisky guzzling demons, wandering alone in the night. The Devils are saving your rock and roll soul. Hop on board, leave the road, follow the path, it's midnight at the drowning pond and I'm glad, glad you're here for the midnight service...
H**R
in the end......
This is one of the best, IF NOT THE BEST, rock groups in the last fifteen years. I never got to see them live in person but have seen numerous videos and regret not seeing them every time I listen to any of their albums or dead low tides albums. Buy any of Murder City Devils albums and you have purchased one of the most under rated rock bands of all time. I only wish that they hadn't of called it quits. I really feel that they were only scratching the surface of their potential.
D**O
Nothing but howl
I've been listening to the devils for several years now, and I must say, like a fine wine, they too get better with time. Not as rock and roll as their earilier releases, this EP is more of a hypnotic descent into madness, a nice direction to travel I must admit. Also featuring 364 Days. If you didn't pick up the Christmas 7" you'll want this regardless.
R**I
Brilliant
Why don't you have this gorgeous music? Give me one song on here that is not musical or lyrical genius.
A**R
Five Stars
Another must have
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