In 2004, Sebastien Grainger and Jesse Keeler parted from their Toronto hardcore band Femme Fatale to create one of the most beloved bands in the history of the world (at least in my book), Death From Above 1979. You’re a Woman, I’m a Machine, is the title of the bands only actual album released (not including EP’s and Remix album) but would most certainly make the list of my “one album to listen to for the rest of your life.”
The cover features two elephant men as Grainger and Keeler’s heads, a concept that really describes the powerful sound of the album, which sounds like a herd of elephants coming through your headphones…in a good way. The biggest surprise is the fact that the band is in fact a 2 piece act; Sebastien on drums and vocals, Jesse on Bass and Synth. The bass riffs are infectious through the entire record, different than anything I’ve heard before. The sound can be defined as raw, savage, sexy, and cannot be placed into any particular genre because of its complete originality. You’re a Woman, I’m a Machine fits into a unique place between a raw punk album and a funkalicious dance album.
Keeler plays the bass as if it were a guitar and finds a way to make the instrument make its way from the traditional background instrument to the main feature of the song. Grainger’s voice is something to behold as well; ranging from smooth and casual, to an intense, satisfying, scream, that never disappoints. The lyrics are a fun splattering of words, ranging from the very sexually explicit, Pull Out: (I love my girl/I want to get her off…1-2-3 Pull out) to the reflection of a decaying city in Black History Month: (Can you remember a time when this city was/A great place for architects and dilettantes/A nice place for midwives and crossing guards And on, and on).
In 2006, they split to pursue different musical paths, Keeler went on to form electronic phenomenon MSTRKRFT, Grainger did his own thing with Sebastien Grainger and the Mountains.
My heart broke when I saw this posted as the front page on their website in 2006:
“ I know its been forever since I wrote anything on here. I’m sure by now most of you assume the band isn’t happening anymore since there are no shows, no work on a new album, etc. well. I wanted to let you know that your assumptions are correct. We decided to stop doing the band… Actually we decided that almost a year ago. We finished off our scheduled tour dates because there were good people working for us who relied on us to make a living and buy Christmas presents and pay rent etc. We couldn’t just cancel everything and leave them out to dry… Plus I think we wanted to see if we would reconsider after being out on the road. Our label was really hoping that we would change our minds, so they asked us to keep quiet about the decision for at first. Well, it’s been quite a while now and we are still very sure the band won’t happen again, so I guess it’s time to say something.(…) ”
—Jesse F. Keeler
However, good news is afoot dear readers. As of 2011, Death from Above 1979 has gotten back together, and will be touring this summer. If you are lucky enough to be within 1000 miles of one of their tour dates, their tour is not to be missed. Their live shows are more than amazing, certainly a spectacle coming from a two piece band. A particularly notable performance was live on Late Night with Conan O’Brien where half way through the set, Max Weinberg takes over for Sebastien and they continue to rock the house even harder. (Look for it on the interwebs)
Quote from their blog:
“It’s been 5 years since Death From Above 1979 played a show, 10 years since Jesse played me the first demos & 11 years since we sat in his parents basement and played so loud we knocked the china off the shelves upstairs. 11 seems to be a YES number for me. Though I am usually a pretty rational guy, if I have something on my mind and I see an 11 somewhere, I know I’m on the right path. It’s one of my last remaining superstitions. 2011 has a nice ring to it & if you’re so inclined, it may be the last year ever! So why not say YES? Why not say YES to Coachella? Why not say YES to playing the music we designed to be an undeniable source of power? Why not say YES to stirring up a writhing pit of sweaty humans? YES to riots! YES to heavy music! YES instead of maybe, and YES to make death your adviser and remind yourself always, that this is not a dress rehearsal. This is the big show.
Jesse and I have decided that what we can do together should not be denied.
Together again, as was always the intention, as a collaboration.
The collision of two different worlds.
As this all takes shape, we will reveal it to you.
All of it happening, as it always has, in our own way.
Thank you all for sharing in our excitement!
Yes.
SEBASTIEN”
Yes indeed Sebastien. If you are able to catch any of the following concerts this summer, be sure you do:
- Sunday, April 17th, 2011 – Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival – Indio, CA
- Wednesday, May 4th, 2011 – London HMV Forum – London, England
- Thursday, May 5th, 2011 – London HMV Forum – London, England
- Friday, May 6th, 2011 – Donaufestival – Krems, Austria
- Friday, May 27th, 2011 – Sasquatch Festival – Seattle, WA
Buy the album from our music store, you will not regret it.
And while you are at it, check out these other great articles from Enter the Shell:
——————————
1 thought on “Lost Album Review-Death From Above 1979 :: You’re a Woman, I’m a Machine”
Comments are closed.