The Breakdown
After months of fierce anticipation Death From Above 1979’s fourth LP release, ‘Is 4 Lovers’, finally drops today.
Produced, mastered and recorded entirely by bassist Sebastien Grainger and drummer Jesse F. Keeler, the album captures that unmistakable, boundary-shoving dance-punk sounds fans remember, along with some redefining of their original format.
DFA wanted this record to indeed be for lovers, and to include more playful elements than before. They’ve succeeded in a love letter of sorts, without losing the hallmark revolutionary fervour. Grainger and Keeler have certainly matured from the more rough and ready days of 2004 when ‘You’re A Woman, I’m A Machine’ quickly ensured their cult status, along with an at times, riotous fan following (that famous South By South West show, anyone?).
During the lull that followed the pair’s last offering, 2017’s ‘Outrage! Is Now, DFA fans, or ‘Lovers’ stood firmly resolute. Amid the recent hype across social media platforms, ‘Lovers’ were enticed to call a hotline number to hear the lyrics of One + One recited during a dramatic reading by Keeler. Predictably the lines went crazy and became flooded with listeners, thirsting for new material after an agonising, four-year wait.
Standouts from Is 4 Lovers include Modern Guy’s galloping, 8-bit electro onslaught, to the high energy of One + One and its relentlessly sexy, jabbing guitars. These initial tracks give hits straight to the face in a succession of hectic uppercuts.
‘Free Animal’ throws a satisfying, strutting drum attack ahead of a rush of deliciously primal and distorted riffs on personal favourite, ‘NYC Power Elite’. The fine, dance-punk form we know and love is still alive and well on ‘Totally Wiped Out’, whilst ‘Glass Homes’ and ‘Love Letter’ break rank with more sensually electronic, psychedelic sounds.
Never ones to disappoint, the Toronto duo have come back swinging. This record seems a slightly softer assault than before yet offers no less of a rush.
‘Is 4 Lovers’ is out now and can be downloaded/streamed here.
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