The boys are back - Death From Above 1979 : The Physical World

10 years ago I was in (what felt like at the time) a dream job working at our local Music Zone (remember them?). 18 years old and just digesting everything that came through the door was a serious pleasure and I look back fondly on those times. During my stint in that job one record stood out a mile in every way. We were all intrigued by the vivid pink front cover of Death From Above 1979 - You're A Woman I'm A Machine, so much so that with one listen of the single Blood On Our Hands I snapped up a copy on CD. Two years ago I got my hands of the repress of that same album on pink marble vinyl (it's still one of my favourite records) and this week the long wait for a sophomore record is over. 

The Physical World came out on Monday and I got my copy ordered through our local HMV who have recently been great at getting hold of most things I've been after and nicely priced too. This a great return from DFA and although not as unrelentingly ferocious as their first album this ticks all the right boxes for a band looking to progress and still packs a wallop. It's a great place for them to be as the sound satisfies the fans of their signature noise but gives more access to the uninitiated.

Visually the record is a really great package. That signature artwork that is now almost iconic standing proud in the centre with the cut middle on the vinyl making for a nice effect when you take the sleeve out. Download code included as is standard practice.

Individual tattoo artwork for each song covers the back of the sleeve. Wonder how long it will be before someone takes one of these in to their local parlour to get it done on themselves? The back just highlighting the fact that the logo isn't a photoshop job but a physical (I see what they did there) stand. Take a look at the front again, yep the illustration is actually there in the photo, a fact I totally missed at first. Check out the DFA Instagram to see the sign being made. As for the tattoo designs I like the look of the Gemini one.

I was initially critical on my first listen through of this, mainly as it was marred by my judgement on the single Trainwreck 1979 with its throwaway woo's and pop vibes. But listening through again the charm and attitude of the record got me and my distaste for the single was turned on its head. I listened to the album last night with a friend before we went out for the night and it really got us in the mood, and here in lies DFA's instant appeal. They are wholly listenable at home but they would slot right in to a club night out, an often elusive middle ground. There are bands and artists I love differently out on the town or at home, and DFA live at the top in both of these worlds.

This along with the recent debut release by Royal Blood (which I will write about soon) will be getting some repeated listens over the next few months. Both are excellent two piece bands one obviously owing a deal of gratitude to the other. But there's no doubt of my favourite, and when I heard Royal Blood I was worried about how Death From Above 1979 would stand up, and they have not disappointed at all. It's great to have DFA back.

   

The female of the species: Warpaint

Warpaint have returned with their follow-up to their debut album The Fool. This has been a hotly anticipated record and I was excited to be getting it on vinyl. Warpaint have a very unique style that bares no comparison and naturally this new record delivers some memorable moody sounds. 

I bought my copy from Amazon which was the cheaper choice but people buying from independent record stores will get a red coloured vinyl instead of just the typical black. A bonus for those who have local record stores within easy access. The album is spread out onto two LPs with the fourth side having an etched design. 

Thoroughly impressed with this record and I've already had it on several times. You get your usual mp3 code thrown in. However buying from Amazon you tend to get access to the mp3 as soon as you order it. Great service however leaves little surprise when you finally get the needle on it. However if you're in it for that sound of vinyl an mp3 doesn't compare. 

The Sound of the Swell: Volcano Choir - Repave

Ok . . . I have a love affair . . . and it's with a man. His name is Justin Vernon and I always listen with bated breath whenever he releases anything he's involved with. Volcano Choirs second album Repave is no exception. With their first album hinting at much promise with remarkably experimental tones, their follow up raises not only the bar but every hair on the back of your neck on many occasions. From the opening acoustic guitar riff on Tiderays to the epic and understated Almanac this album delivers a swell of sound that is guaranteed to take you places.   

I heard this on Spotify and immediately knew I needed to own this record. You can pick this up fairly reasonably at any decent online music retailer, I paid £15 for mine. Although always best to support your local record store (if you have one). The cover is simply breathtaking, a fantastic photograph that is captivating yet so simple and looks great as large vinyl sleeve. 

The pressing is good, nice thick vinyl and always good to see these polythene bags as opposed to cardboard sleeves (better for dust prevention). I had to unfortunately send a copy back and get a replacement thanks to a defect, but the copy I got back was perfect. MP3 code as is standard these days, ideal.

It's a reasonably short album, but in this case it's definitely about quality over quantity. These are outstanding songs that are diverse, rich and inspiring. A must for fans of Justins other projects like Bon Iver or for anyone looking for something mellow and alternative that has an impact. 

A Years End

So the year has ended. It's been a seriously great year for music and personally it's been a dream come true. I've made tentative steps towards making my own music and have been gigging regularly by myself and with the band Mylittlebrother. However back in April I also won a tremendous turntable thanks to my favourite day of the year; Record Store Day. My luck did not end there, I was working for HMV at the time and as they were throwing out old stuff I got my hands on an amp for nothing! October saw me invest in some great speakers, and my great friend and neighbour gave me some old shelving and speaker stands. I now have the kind of system I only expected to get at a much later age and it's catalysed my appreciation of vinyl.

My vinyl collection has grown and the rewards from listening and digesting these great records have been exciting and jaw dropping. I now understand what a difference it makes to invest in this medium. The news has been running many stories throughout the year about the vinyls resurgence and it's understandable why it's taken off in such a way. I'm a fan of digital, but as a musician and a long time buyer of music I feel more invested in the music I'm in to if I physically own it. The sound of vinyl is something different, and it's something that bares no comparison. 

I've bought many records this year, and at this time of year many look back and pick their favourite. I have a firm favourite from this year, it's spun under the needle of my turntable countless times this year and despite many other great records coming out, this one still gets played the most. 

It's no surprise and it's been top of many UK critics picks of 2013. Parquet Courts debut record 'Light Up Gold' was originally released in 2012 in the US, however great demand and popularity saw it released here in the UK in early 2013. Following on from this they released an EP 'Tally All The Things That You Broke' in October which is also fantastic, although I'm yet to grab a copy on vinyl. 

I've lauded over this record time and time again, it's short, sharp and so well put together and the best thing, the band themselves make it look so easy to do. These are great punchy songs that deliver memorable riffs and lines in spades yet with a short running times leaves you begging for more. The title track 'Light Up Gold (II)' is in and out in just over a minute demands replays, it's ferociously simple structure and blazing guitars just grab you buy the ears and shakes you around. 

The stand out is 'Stoned and Starving' with a 5 minute run time is far and away the longest track and kicks off the B side in style. The whole album is instantly re playable given it runs in at just 33 minutes. Here quantity doesn't matter, we're seeing a snap shot of a band that are furiously talented playing cheap guitars and throwing whatever they have out there. The sound feels so fresh and not over produced, so it came as no surprise to find out that these songs were recorded live as opposed to individual tracking. The result is clear and present in their live performances, there's no deception here, it's a truly honest record. 

   

There have been some stunning records throughout 2013 but time and time again when I'm asked about bands I'm listening these guys get my recommendation. They remind me of Pavement in many ways given they are ferociously honest and tread a fine line musically making you think they are just dicking about with guitars and shouting anything in to the microphone. I also love the way they've put the record together, it feels very homemade like they did the recording in someones garage and wrote the liner notes on the back of a beer mat. I can't wait for the 2014 and what the future will bring as many great bands are set to bring out new material, but as 2013 has proved the best can come from somewhere entirely new.