Death From Above 1979 is Jesse Keeler and Sebastian Granger. The duo are from Canada and were signed to Vice recordings in America and the credible 679 recordings in the UK. The thing about DFA1979 that set them apart from alot of bands was that their raucous sound was created by just Bass (Jesse) and Drums (Sebastian). Jesse also handled synth duties on a number of tracks and the vocals are shared by both members.
Death From Above 1979 were originally just called Death From Above, but due to legal action from label DFA records the band added "1979" to the end of their name, if im honest with you, i don't know why!
The band broke up in 2006 after releasing just one album (see below) and a number of singles and EP's, citing that they just wanted to spend more time with families and a number of creative differences on many levels.
The band first came to my attention when i was at a My Chemical Romance Gig in 2004 (yes, i did just say MCR, im not ashamed, that band released 2 solid records in their day!) and i was hooked from then on. They were something complete different, a wall of solid, abrasive, yet somewhat melodic punk rock and roll that really made you want to put your dancing shoes on! and the fact that there was just two members making such a racket with only a bass guitar and a drumkit was unreal! Unfortunately i only got to see them the once, but fingers crossed they come to the UK again, as ive heard the reunion isn't just a one off! fingers crossed!
So... what do you need to listen too? the following:
You're a Woman, Im a Machine (2004)
The album has all the elements of a great rock and roll record, it is dark, sleazy, and is over far too quick and leaves you begging to hear more!
In the UK the album was released with bonus disc of remix tracks including mixes by German dance duo Justice, and Mstrkrft, as well as a great "mash up" of "Blood on our Hands" and the Futureheads "Hounds of Love" which is fittingly renamed "Blood on our Hounds" (picked this up on a nice white label 12" some time ago)
Other Releases
- Romance Bloody Romance: B sides and Remixes - was only availible in America, i would love to get my hands on a copy!
- Heads Up! - their first EP which is long out of print and extremely hard to get hold of a physical copy, originally released in 2002, and reissued in 2005... now out of Print Again!
Further Listening
- MSTRKRFT - Jesse Keelers electronic moniker, released "The Look" in 2006 which has a very disco electro sound, similar to that of Justice, and Chromeo. Second record "Fist of God" saw a new direction with guest vocals from a number of rappers including Noreaga, and Ghostface Killah, but was still full to the brim with dancefloor fillers
- Bad Tits - Sebastien Grainger's band with Joshua Reichmann, formerly of Jewish Legend and Tangiers. The duo began playing shows in early 2010, with Grainger on drums and samplers, Reichmann on guitar and keyboards, and both singing. They released a debut vinyl 7” and digital EP titled "Garbage Night" on the label Hand Drawn Dracula.
- Sebastien Grainger and The Mountains - released an EP with The Mountains titled American Names and later a self-titled LP, in 2008. The band toured for a year and a half, opening for such bands as Metric, Albert Hammond Jr & Bloc Party in North America and Europe. They were signed with Saddle Creek Records in the USA, Outside Music in Canada and JVC in Japan
Where to Here Them
So there you go, all you need to know about getting into Death From Above 1979. They really are a band you need in your life! Normally i would put a little section to say who they might sound like, but they really are that original that they don't sound like anybody! When i get round to compiling my "Top 100 albums you need to hear before you die" , their "You're a Woman, Im a Machine" will be featured high up that's for sure!
Glen xo
No comments:
Post a Comment