Murder by Death.
Seriously, they sound nothing like their name implies, and because of that reason it took me awhile to give them a listen.
They are nowhere near Death Metal or anything of that genre, more for fans of folksy rock with a deeper darker feel that will give you goosebumps every time.
They consist of four members, one guitar player, one bass player, one drummer, and one cellist, with the cello bringing in the unique sounds that make this band so great. They rely heavily on the deep dark sounds of the Cello to echo through their music, and the Cellist couldn't be anymore talented. She plucks fantastically with her fingers, speeding through the intense parts without batting an eye, and elegantly using the bow to create haunting overtones drifting heavily over the music. Often compared to Johnny Cash, they do have some of the same tendencies and almost the same voice; However, this band can rock out pretty hard sometimes, in a twangy, string filled way. The lead singer has a deep smooth voice, which doesn't appear to belong to the body he's in. I went to see them in concert a few months ago expecting an older man with long hair and a depressing aura about him. Turns out he's probably mid twenties, relatively clean cut, and pretty scrawny.
Of course it doesn't hurt that their Cellist is pretty good looking. She's a girl, so I can say that.
Anyways, their album "Who Will Survive, And What Will Become of Them" is an absolute masterpiece. Bringing old country rock twang and melodies to new rock, this music is perfect for someone looking for great new music that sounds like nothing out there right now. Each song has a distinctive melody, none sounding the same, but each carrying a similair vibe throughout the album. They made this album how they wanted too. They made the music how they wanted too, and it couldn't have turned out any better. Please check it out, give these guys the support they deserve for making refreshing new music which is unique, from the heart, and crazy interesting. Their newest album, "In Bocca al Lupo" is great too, but isn't nearly as chilling as the other. If I scared you before about it sounding like country, it doesn't. It's more of a bluegrass folk type feel. So, because I'm sure you all hate country, don't hate on it because I said that. It won't start your ears on fire like normal country music does. It will just make you smile and think about the beauty that those four instruments can make together.
You'll get chills between 3 and 8 times while listening to this album, I gaurantee it. Maybe even 9 times if you're lucky.
And I'm sorry I don't have an Mp3 for you today, I'm on a work computer. I will add a ridiculously fantastic Mp3 by Murder by Death tomorrow, so quit worrying alright? And come back soon to check it out. You can't doubt me on this recommendation, because IT WILL DELIVER.
My Trusted MOGs
I agree about the name, kind of like And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead(though I love the metal also). These guys are one of my favorite indie bands. For me, it's not so much country, as it is that they just sound like they make music from another time. Like the devil got transported to Dust Bowl Depression-era, or maybe even frontier Western America, and decided to get his frustrations out by starting a band.
They do put on a great live show, and now that their piano player left to go back to college, the cellist does double duty on her cello and the keys live.
If you like their vibe, I'd also check out William Elliott Whitmore, Iron & Wine, and maybe the Decemberists (although for the latter, they make a different kind of lost-era music).
Murder by Death also has an earlier album titled "Like the Exorcist But With More Breakdancing", in addition to the two you mentioned.