Do You Want to See Death From Above 1979 Rehearsing? Sure You Do.

Photo by Jeremy R Jansen

Unless you've been avoiding the outside world, you're probably aware that Coachella is happening again this year. And, if you're aware of that, then you're probably also aware of who is slated to play this year. And, if you're aware of that lineup, then you probably know that the dance punk/noise rock duo Death From Above 1979 have reunited and are performing.

Why is this pretty big news? Well, DFA79 were one of the most buzzed about bands back in that decade we now apparently refer to as "the aughts." Their debut album, You're a Woman, I'm a Machine, saw one of the most scuzzy-sounding basses shoot out pummeling yet groovy riffs over well-timed, dance-influenced drumming -- all performed with punk attitude. People seemed to really dig the gritty rock 'n' roll spirit that drove their sound, not to mention the obvious sexual undertones -- or in some cases overtones. They were rock 'n' roll without trying to be, just two friends crafting one hell of a forcible sound. With just monstrous bass and drums, DFA79 crafted something that was raucous while still capable of being sharp and melodic.

But after touring heavily behind their debut, the two men that made up the band (drummer/vocalist Sebastien Grainger and bassist/keyboardist Jesse F. Keeler) began to grow apart. Their hearts were no longer in it as they neared the end of the touring cycle, and they decided to call it a day after they had completed all their commitments. With so much promise and momentum behind them -- let alone so early on in their career -- it was rather unexpected to hear the band was ending. And now, five years later, they are back.

I can't believe I didn't mention anything about this on MM when the news first broke. Shame on me, as I was one of those who really, really dug the band -- and I still do. Below is the statement that was released last month following the announcement that they were performing at this year's Coachella.

SOME WORDS 

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

DFA79 have posted two videos from recent rehearsals. You can watch both below.

This year's Coachella Festival takes place in Indio, CA April 15-17. Death From Above 1979 performs on Sunday, April 17. The event is sold out.

Death From Above 1979 
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