REVIEWS
MUSIC: Sebastien Grainger & The Mountains
Sebastian Grainger, former member of dance-punk group Death From Above 1979, has kept himself busy over the past couple years in spite of of DFA 1979's split. Grainger is now taking the solo route with his album debut, Sebastien Grainger & The Mountains.
Fans of Death From Above 1979 might miss the synth-infused beats the duo was known for. Regardless of the new direction Grainger's music has taken, his solo album is no stranger to danceable fun packed with tons of energy and lively beats. The album begins with "Love Can Be So Mean," on which Grainger's vocals and accompanying music resemble that of Spoon, but with a rougher, more forceful feel. Grainger pulls from more eclectic influences, as well, as with, "Renegade Silence," which gives a nod to Prince's falsetto tones and funky sounds. The fun continues with "I Hate All My Friends," which is a catchy, agreeable track, no matter how pretentious-hating all of his friends might make Grainger seem.
However, "Niagra," a loud, angry track, is almost a bit too rough, and sticks out like a sore thumb among the more piano-infused, reflective tunes like "Love Is Not a Contest." Even so, Grainger's use
of melody infused with heavy rhythms makes for likeable rock n' roll that makes it easy to sing or dance along to. With a sound that is sometimes rough around the edges and other times as poppy and dance-friendly as anything he's done in the past, Grainger's new endeavors are certainly different than before, but no less enjoyable. Grainger delivers an enjoyable sound for his listeners throughout most of the album, despite his separation from the music he's been known for in the past.
—Amanda Sorell
18
November 13.2008