Rating: NNNN
When Death from Above 1979 broke up in 2006, the buzz behind their 2004 debut album was still building up steam. Given the mini-riot that erupted at their first reunion show, it seems their fan base actually grew while they were on hiatus, so it’s smart that they didn’t mess with their formula.
The duo never felt that “dance punk” really applied to them, and that term does feel very early-00s now. Nevertheless, the opening song, Cheap Talk, quickly settles into a groove best described as disco metal, or possibly “Motörhead get funky.” As the album progresses, elements of prog and sludgy stoner metal riffage demonstrate a broader sound and seem geared to bigger stages than the small punk rooms they’re used to. Sebastien Grainger’s vocals show the benefit of spending the last few years touring with quieter bands, and listen closely for the subtle analog synth touches Jesse Keeler’s added behind his trademark wall-of-fuzz-bass sound.
Top track: The Physical World
