CD of The Week

Death From Above 1979 - The Physical World (Last Gang / Warner Bros)

Didn't you ask for it? I think you have been since 2004.The sophomore album from Death From Above 1979, The Physical World, is finally here. The Toronto duo of Jesse Keeler (synth, bass, and backing vocals) and Sebastien Grainger (drums and vocals) is what they always were and a bit more. But isn’t that what you always wanted?

In 2006, Death From Above officially disbanded after the release of their album You’re A Woman, I’m A Machine. The Physical World is all those things but more varied. You’re A Woman was more cohesive, but there is a tension between the two musicians that is evident within The Physical World, producing a type of diversification that the last album didn’t measure up to. DFA1979 is sometimes unclassifiable, which is apparent in the title track, interlacing a number of genres in one song. You forget where you started, and then, all of the sudden the end is here. They are punk, prog, metal, speed metal, indie, electronic (in no certain order), and everything else you can think of besides Dolly Parton. Sound familiar? Well, it’s different, trust me. Listen.

“Trainwreck 1979” is furious, familiar, and always fast... exactly what you've come to expect from Death From Above 1979. “White is Red,” however, is slower, and more like what you might expect from The Shins. It's pop-sensible done DFA's way. And man, is it good. So, so good.

Well, “I want it all.” Don’t you? And I want a third album. How about you? You asked for it. Go see Death From Above 1979. They'll be here in Philadelphia at Union Transfer on Saturday, November 29th.
Review by Jenn Oliver