***1/2 (out of 4)
Back after 10 years, Sebastien Grainger and Jesse Keeler of Death From Above 1979 would like to make a statement: “Hey, all you cheesy, flaccid rock acts out here posturing like you’re running things. We’re back, and this two-man Canadian wrecking crew would like to have a word with you outside. Oh, and bring a bag to carry your teeth home in.”
Proving that you can never possibly have enough thrash, the duo manages to leave every band that’s come since its 2004’s debut “You’re a Woman, I’m a Machine” in the dust, roaring back with its trademark brand of danceable punk insanity. Three years after the band reunited in 2011 (it broke up in 2006), “The Physical World” manages not only to live up to the incredible hype of DFA1979’s debut but also cleanly avoids the dreaded sophomore slump.
This is a succinctly written record that bought a house at the corner of Drink Till You Throw Up Street and Dance All Night While Making Out With A Person You Have No Business Being With Avenue. Standouts include “Government Trash,” which sounds like concentrated fight music with an obvious political bent, and “Trainwreck,” which brings to mind some sort of religious document produced by a cult that’s only ever listened to Metallica’s “Black Album” and the entire Gang of Four discography.
While some might grumble that the group hasn’t truly advanced its sound since its last effort, there’s nothing wrong with embracing something that was ahead of its time back then and still stands out today. The only knock on this album is the completely out-of-place “White Makes Red,” a tepid PSA about broken hearts that brings to mind the worst parts of the Black Keys’ discography. Leave the soft stuff to everyone else; Death From Above rocks far too hard to waste its time doing anything else.
[email protected] | @ernestwilkins
In concert: Nov. 25 at the Rivera, $31
Want more? Discuss this article and others on RedEye’s Facebook page More Top Picks Hp Sprocket