Customer Reviews

A Murder of Crows

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Devon Graves was previously known as Buddy Lackey in his former band Psychotic Waltz. It was a shame when Psychotic Waltz broke up and everyone in the band went their own way.

I heard that Devon released a solo album but never had the chance to track it down and check it out. I, however, made sure I picked up both Dead Soul Tribe discs and have been spinning them on and off for a long time. The first DST disc didn't really grab me right away being a huge change of style from Psychotic Waltz. With the release of A Murder of Crows, however, the music on their debut speaks much better to me now as well. It's just a matter of time for this band to grow on you.

A Murder of Crows is a semi-concept album in the way that some tunes are linked with each other and deal with themes like the isolation of the individual in the society. Although there's a underlying concept running through the album, all songs can be listened and enjoyed independently. On a thematic level the album makes a philosophical statement about crows carrying the souls of dead people and Devon questions the ones that cannot make it to the beyond. The album aims to produce more questions to think about instead of offering pseudo-intellectual artistic messages. The lyrics are very poetic and a bit surreal but they never lose their touch with the listener and become too sterile to take seriously.

Devon has mixed and produced this album and the sonic quality of it is really amazing. Unlike the self-titled debut, the involvement of the other band members seems more prevalant. I am particularly impressed by Adel Moustafa's drumming, both his tone and the way he chose to express himself. His technique is combined with a strange kind of creativity that is hard to explain. The comparisons to Tool and their drummers are being made quite a lot, but I personally don't hear it all that much, except the fact that I agree both bands' drummers are godly. That said, I've never been a Tool fan, but I do respect their talent and ambition. Moreover I haven't listened to them too much either so I can't really comment on the so-called similarities.

The album puts less emphasis on keyboards but borrows elements from folk music and incorporates some beautiful flute parts as well. The rhythm guitars (also played by Devon Graves) are more eminent and together with the powerful and fluid rhythm section consisting of drummer Moustafa and bassist Roland Ivenz make this disc more of a band effort and definitely a more aggressive output. The occasional guitar solos fit the flow of this disc perfectly and push the album into more unexplored directions.

I've been listening to the upcoming Ayreon album The Human Equation a lot recently and Devon Graves' amazing performance on it tempted me to revisit my DST discs. This guy has an amazing voice with a personality all his own. It should be in your best interest to check out both Psychotic Waltz and Dead Soul Tribe as well as the new Ayreon which may end up being my favourite of the year.

A Murder of Crows, the second album from Dead Soul Tribe (basically Devon Graves), sees Devon recruiting an amazing drummer to complement his amazing voice. Alread with that addition, AMoC has an advantage over his first album. It is also much more structured, while the S/T album sounded like an odd mishmash of Ministry, Tool, and Jethro Tull, A Murder of Crows gives Dead Soul Tribe a more refined sound. Comparison's to Tool can be drawn instantly - Devon, like Maynard, has an amazing voice; both bands play dark music; the drumming is similar and both bands can orchestrate amazing build ups that are spine chilling.

That being said, Dead Soul Tribe and Tool have one key difference - the main emotion being used. While Tool are mostly angry, Dead Soul Tribe are either hopeful or bleak. Devon's few attempts at anger on this album come off rather weak, but the way he changes his voice to suit every other emotion works perfectly.

Overall a good album that fans of Tool, rock, or prog should check out... or just check it out to listen to Devon's amazing voice.

I first heard their eponymous debut and immediately thought that this band was very original. Their myriad influences include "Alice in Chains"(particularly their debut), "Tool"(yes, but these guys are a different animal), and perhaps even a little "Queensryche"(a touch of Progressive Power Metal) for starters. It's really hard to nail these guys down, and that is what makes them worth hearing. The arrangements here are what makes this especially memorable; the production also shines. I got both of their albums at the same time and it is immediately obvious that this album will be getting more of my attention. There is no filler here, either, making this a must for progressive metal fans. I keep returning to this CD because it has everything a great album should: excellent musicianship, memorable songwriting, ambition, energy, emotion, superb arrangements, and stellar production. This is a great experience. Later.

3.5 stars actually.
„A Murder Of Crows" is the second recording by Dead Soul Tribe, a band formed by charismatic vocalist Devon Graves, previously known as Buddy Lackey.
Devon was the vocalist of a legend band Psychotic Waltz so the expectations for his new group were very big. The self titled debut of Dead Soul Tribe was released in 2002 and, to be honest, didn't fully meet my expectations. Well off course the songs had the same dark mood that
Psychotic Waltz compositions, but overall they weren't as complex and adventurous.

But how about Dead Soul Tribe second recording? The dark mood remained and, what's even more important, the compositions became more interesting. "A Murder Of Crows" is a semi-concept album that deals with isolation and individualism in the society. The lyrics are poetic and often somewhat surreal. The songs are at times hard edged, and sometimes calm and atmospheric. Sometimes simple, sometimes very progressive. Still, always they remain very disturbing.

The music by Dead Soul Tribe isn't for the faint hearted but if you enjoy the darker side of progressive rock music, it will definitely appeal to you. Recommended, but still this isn't on the quality level that Psychotic Waltz had accustomed us to.

This was my first introduction to the world of Devon Graves, I'd heard all the comparisons to Tool, one of my favourite bands, and being a prog metal fan, it seemed a logical choice. The music is powerful, full of some great riffs, but its Graves' vocals and lyrics (poetic theme of crows carrying the souls of the dead) that complete the picture, and what a picture it is.

The album starts wonderfully with the two parts `Feed' piece, one of DST's finest songs to date. Everything is on display here, some simple but well executed guitar playing, highly technical drumming from the skilled Adel Moustafa, and of course haunting melodies sung to perfection by Graves' piercing vocals. `Messenger' is one of my favourites on the album, it has a rather monotonous riff played throughout, but the vocal melodies and lyrics are just stunning, surprisingly `feel good' for such a sinister album. `Some Things You Can't Return' is the defining moment to the album, following the themes of the lost souls concept, but its Graves' vocal delivery that simply floored me, beautiful yet penetrating. Songs such as `Garden Made Of Stones' `Angels In Vertigo' and `I'm Not Waving' hold the album together perfectly. The last touch of greatness comes in the raucous `Crows On The Wire' with its tension building intro, huge riff and catchy melodies, a certain high point.

Overall this is one fine album that doesn't get nearly enough recognition. For fans of prog rock/metal who enjoy the likes of Tool, Pain Of Salvation, Nevermore...

Also see Graves' former legendary band 'Psychotic Waltz'.

I have owned this album for nearly two years, and I still love every minute of it. This is not a band that you hear a great deal about, but they are terrific none theless. They bring to mind equal parts Tool and Jethro Tull. Go pick up the album, it won't disappoint!

I was a little disappointed when I first heard this album-- it wasn't quite as progressive or complex as I was hoping. But it didn't take long for the music to take hold on my brain. Now it's all I really want to listen to. I wouldn't really call it progressive, but there's something very original about the way the music is played-- the riffs in particular have a very strange but catchy quality to them. It does sound a lot like Tool at times, particularly in the way the bass is used, but I don't think any cloning has occured; it seems to be a style than Dead Soul Tribe has come up with on their own, independently of Tool. The Tool-like parts are actually my favorite, and are as good as, or better than, anything Tool has ever done. There's a lot of variation on this album, which is both good and bad; some of the songs are flat-out brilliant (particularly the haunting "Some Things You Can't Return"), while others seem to get a little bogged down, and feel like they need to be fleshed out a little more. Devon Graves is particularly good at putting across emotion in his music (this was also what made his old band Psychotic Waltz so unique). Some of the tracks are almost frightening in their emotional intensity. The production has a cold and distant quality, which gives the music an ethereal feel that suits it very well.

Ok, I saw bought two Symphony X albums and with the albums came a panflit for other cds. I saw Dead Soul Tribe and read the description and it seeme to appeal to me. No one had heard of them though and i could find nothing on the internet. Still though, i took the risk and bought this cd. Deffinatly worth my money. These guys follow the same genious that Opeth takes, except in a totally different directions. The melodies do get you lost in the music and the lyrics simply add to it. It's a wonderful album and if you appreciate any metal band with a good artistic taste, good lyrics and wonderful melodies, you won't be dissapointed by this band. I can honestly see, myself walking into my apartment and turning on my tv, only to see Dead Soul Tribe at the grammys, and i'll be one of those few people who can say "I listend to those guys before they were so popular".

In seeing how many young folks get distubed when you write a bad review about their tuneless, screaming badly crafted metal.. I thought I might uphold a CD that is miles above what the average listener is even used to. And so I present to the reader, Dead Soul Tribe. This band has produced some of the most excellent music that I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing.. The guitars are huge, the drums pounding and expertly played and the vocals smooth yet powerful. Dead Soul Tribe has a big, full sound, yet it is all wrapped up in strong melodies that will haunt your mind for weeks at a time. And may I make mention of the bands perfect, rich harmonies and mature lyrics that go beyond that of an 8th grader who wants to scratch out a few basic words on paper about drinking and having sex, and calling it a song. I would say it's high time that people young and old step back and compare music like Dead Soul Tribe's with that of the radio played dribble they have been fed for far too long.. There is better music out there for those who have the ears to hear.

I know they call me Columbus for my great discoveries. But now they will call you Vespucci for this one. I love the King's Xian crunchy riffs and the singing is fantastic. Not sure if I hear the Sabbath but I definitely hear some TULL. Nevertheless, this is a great CD and I enjoy listening to all the songs. Melodic rock with a lot of spirit. Highly recommended. I will seek out other releases from this band.