Since their inception in 2001, the high-octane Canadian duo Death From Above 1979 has brought all the best of Toronto’s grimy basement clubs to the mainstream stage. With a sound best described as funk punk, DFA is characterized by Jesse F. Keeler’s hard-hitting bass riffs and upbeat synths, pairing with Sebastien Grainger’s overdriven drum beats and vocals like cigarettes and coffee on a cold winter morning.
The band’s previous full-length album was released in 2014. It was raw, energetic and featured some of the band’s best work (think Trainwreck 1979) but ultimately left something to be desired in terms of musical depth and range. There was a definite lack of intimacy and under production, and listening to it in its entirety could leave one drowning in the sounds of distorted clips, waves of cymbals and seemingly uninspired lyrics.
Their newest release and third studio album, Outrage! Is Now, has become a firm believer in its own brand. Whereas their previous albums gave off an air of “This is what I am, love me or hate me,” DFA’s newest collection knows it’s good. It opens with the song “Nomad,” featuring what is arguably the best chorus on the track list; Grainger’s vocals manage to combine teenage angst with a certain flirtatious confidence that keeps the listeners focused and caught in an ephedrine-fueled trance.
The band shows off their newfound hard rock influence with an opening riff reminiscent of old-school Sabbath, and use repetition to their advantage, creating beats you can’t help but play over in your head for the rest of the day. The album’s undeniable rhythm and the band’s trademark drums highlight alterations in tempo with every song to create a progression otherwise unimaginable in such a short time span, emphasized in tracks like “Freeze Me” and “Caught Up.”
The compact, 36-minute studio release packs a huge punch. Simple, heavy drum beats, wailing riffs and roaring vocals progress with each song, showcasing a song list that remains true to its roots and reminiscent of their debut album, You’re a Woman, I’m a Machine. Building on these foundations, Keeler and Grainger have begun transitioning from the speedy, throttling punk sounds of their earlier music to a hard rock feel reminiscent of the late 70s and early 80s. For those unfamiliar with the Toronto-based band, think of a blunter, more uncompromising Royal Blood.
If you’re a fan of Death from Above 1979, make sure to check out their upcoming show at the Corona Theater on June 9th in Montreal; the city where a portion of their debut album was recorded. As a band who’s been around on and off for almost 2 decades, these pioneers of punk are sure to put on a vigorously energetic performance!