Death From Above 1979

The Profile

Death From Above 1979 is a Canadian duo formed in 2001 in Toronto by Sebastien Grainger (vocals, drums) and Jesse F. Keeler (bass, synths). Known for a bass-and-drums assault that fuses dance-punk, noise rock, and indie rock, they debuted with You're a Woman, I'm a Machine (2004), reunited for The Physical World (2014), and continued with Outrage! Is Now (2017) and Is 4 Lovers (2021).

Originally used the name Death from Above before appending “1979” due to a conflict with DFA Records; later released Outrage! Is Now under Death From Above. Core lineup: Sebastien Grainger and Jesse F. Keeler.

Four DeBaser reviews tackle Death From Above 1979’s discography with gusto. The 2004 debut is hailed as innovative and essential by some, derided as monotonous by others. Outrage! Is Now gets a solid nod as a good, punchy return—though not the debut’s lightning-in-a-bottle. Expect noisy bass, hard-hitting drums, and divided loyalties.