Death From Above 1979 - The Physical World (Album Review)
Friday, 12 September 2014
Written by Matt Williams
Death From Above 1979 came and went in what seemed like one movement the first time around. ‘You’re A Woman, I’m A Machine’, their 2004 debut, became an almost instant anachronism as dance-punk was put out of its misery, but managed to retain its grubby charm as its peers faded from memory.
Given the manner of their split, the band’s decision to reform back in 2011 didn’t really set the possibility of new music in stone, making the arrival of ‘The Physical World’ all the more gratifying.
Road-honed after a few years back on the bus, from the opening notes of Cheap Talk it’s apparent that Sebastien Grainger and Jesse F. Keeler haven’t forgotten how to shove a fuzzy bass riff in your face and demand that your feet start moving.
While the album's lead single - Trainwreck 1979 - promised little, doubts are dispelled early doors as the schlock-punk of Right On, Frankenstein! charges out of the gate, dragging Virgins’ monstrous riff in its wake. Grainger's melodies are infectious, Keeler's notes hammered out with building-levelling precision.
As expected, variation isn’t really a going concern. Death From Above 1979 do what they do well and, along with the limitations presented by their line up, their bloody-mindedness is a plus as the album hurtles along. The grooves just keep coming on Crystal Ball and Government Trash, while the title track and the standout White Is Red, a rare slow one, drip synth hooks.
As far as albums that weren’t supposed to happen go, this is right up there with the most pleasant of surprises. Death From Above 1979 are like that uni mate you haven’t seen for a decade: they’ve grown up, but the fire that made them so much fun back then makes you feel young all over again.
Death From Above 1979 Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Mon October 20 2014 - LONDON Electric Ballroom
Tue October 21 2014 - MANCHESTER Gorilla
Wed October 22 2014 - GLASGOW Glasgow Garage
Fri October 24 2014 - SHEFFIELD Plug
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