Death From Above 1979 : You're A Woman I'm A Machine

  Jesse F. Keeler - Synthesizer, Guitar (Bass)
  Sebastien Grainger - Drums, Vocals

Death From Above 1979 makes their considerable racket with only bass, drums, and the occasional Moog squelch assist. This isn't a gimmick -- between Sebastien Grainger's frantic wail and the overdriven bass riffs of Jesse F. Keeler, the duo's You're a Woman, I'm a Machine pulses with a steady, sweaty energy that's punctuated with arena-sized hooks. 'Blood on Our Hands' boils dance - punk nearly all the way down, leaving only a relentless hi-hat cymbal, while 'Turn It Out' and 'Cold War' churn on double-time rhythms and rudimentary, yet completely effective bass runs. The duo's setup certainly limits their range, which means the album can occasionally resemble one long song. But at just over a half-hour, it's over before any questions about the lack of guitars can even start to form. There are hyper indie rock flare-ups, like in the Hot Snakes / Rocket from the Crypt yelp of 'Going Steady.' And 'Sexy Results' is a flirtatious and amplified cross of new wave and Rapture -style strut that comes complete with a cowbell upbeat. Preoccupation with the opposite sex provides some of You're a Woman, I'm a Machine's strongest moments, from Grainger's 'I don't need you/I want you' clarification on 'Romantic Rights' to the frenetic late-album standout 'Pull Out.' Other highlights include the title track's layered vocals and wiry punk revivalism, and the subtler 'Black History Month,' which is a nice break from the record's consistently jerking pace. In the 2000s, dance-oriented energy keeps creeping regularly into rock & roll. On You're a Woman, I'm a Machine, Death from Above 1979 makes people move by exposing the live-wire tension rock music had all along. ~ Johnny Loftus, All Music Guide

Loud & explosive, you can't BELIEVE just two people can make so much sweet noise. The Vice Records debut from power rock duo Death From Above 1979.