Sebastien Grainger

Sebastien Grainger & The Mountains

[3.5/4]

After their super-promising 2004 full-length You’re A Woman, I’m A Machine, Sebastien Grainger’s last band, Death From Above 1979, burned out way too early. Fans left in the lurch will be happy to know Grainger’s first solo record largely fills the void. The musical differences that split drummer/vocalist Grainger and DFA79 bassist/synth op Jesse Keeler are apparent, as Grainger reveals a pop sensibility that was presumably pummeled into submission by Keeler’s scuzzy, aggressive playing. “Renegade Silence” is more Scissor Sisters than Sonic Youth and “By Cover Of Night (Fire Fight)” uses synthesizers to craft hooks rather than to layer noise. Grainger’s vocals, however, hang a little harsh in the mix without the jagged musical edges around them. Still, the essential energy in his performance powers through the awkward spots, making the disc a welcome payoff to a dance-punk dream destroyed. (SADDLE CREEK) Jeff Leven