REISSUE: Death From Above 1979 – You’re A Woman, I’m A Machine (Rhino)
You’re A Woman, I’m A Machine, the excellent 2004 debut album from Death From Above 1979, the Canadian duo of Jesse Keeler (bass/synths) and vocalist/drummer Sebastian Grainger, was recently reissued via Rhino Records as part of its Rocktober vinyl campaign and is available now on a pink splatter platter.
Like a blast of cold Canadian air, the duo created a unique sound that was somehow both stripped-down and larger than life; with pit-worthy dance-punk vibes, abrasive bass-led grooves and howling yet ear-worming melodies. The album was led by the three singles, “Romantic Rights”, “Blood On Our Hands” and “Black History Month”; the first of which is led by a scraping bass line, a staccato rhythm and sweetened by some synths.
The second single, “Blood On Our Hands” operates with a head-banging stop and start beat and a barrage of sing-along hooks, but “Black History Month” is probably the most memorable of the three, with its surging bass-led groove and catchy chorus. Other standouts include the thrashing “Going Steady”, the energetic, noise-addled, statement-making opening track, “Turn It Out” and the percussion-heavy album closer, “Sexy Results”.
Just a year after its 20th anniversary, this new limited edition pink splatter vinyl pressing You’re A Woman, I’m A Machine, is the perfect holiday gift for fans of Death From Above 1979. –Justin Kreitzer for Icon Fetch