Murder by Death’s debut for Vagrant records, Red of Tooth and Claw, is due out March 4. Preceding the full-length is a digital EP entitled Fuego!, which is available February 12. Signing to a (mostly) pop-punk label worked for The Hold Steady, as far as propelling the band into the limelight is concerned. We’ll see if Murder By Death can make the jump to a higher level of public awareness as well. Lord knows the band has paid its touring dues. And from what I’ve heard of the new stuff, this is the band’s best shot yet. Too bad original drummer Alex Schrodt isn’t on board. It’d be sort of frustrating to watch a band you toured relentlessly with for the better part of five years suddenly break.