Reading Time: 2 min read

4 out of 5 stars

Death from Above 1979, Outrage! Is Now © Warner BrosDeath from Above 1979 keeps it short, sweet, and fun on their single “Never Swim Alone,” from their third album, ‘Outrage! is Now

Keeping things multidimensional, the beauty of new music and new bands personally unfamiliar is undeniable, sigh. Tackling new ground, Death from Above 1979 came onto my radar.  The Canadian rock duo have been around since the 00s, but Outrage! Is Now (September 8) marks just their third studio album. Singles “Never Swim Alone” and “Freeze Me” were issued in advance of the new album.

Death from Above 1979 keeps things short and sweet on “Never Swim Alone.” Nothing wrong with that, as the duo gives us just the right amount of song.  The whole performance is chocked full of energy – never bad.  In addition to energy, there are gritty, distorted, whiny vocals, a characteristic f-bomb, and sick guitar work. Delicious! Oh, and yes, a catchy chorus that tell us to, “NEVER. SWIM. ALONE!” Noted.

Cons? Well, it is only two-and-a-half-minutes if we’re getting nitpicky. Couldn’t Death from Above 1979 muster up three good minutes? Two-minutes-and-eighteen seconds rocked, but what about MORE! After all, “Freeze Me” clocked in over the three-minute mark.  Also, why can’t we swim alone if we’re careful?

Final Thoughts 

Ultimately, “Never Swim Alone” is a fun, brief little ditty from Death from Above 1979.  The aggressive, energetic sound is the big selling point, not to mention the discouraging chorus.  I could say more, but really, there’s not more to say. “NEVER. SWIM. ALONE!”

Death from Above 1979 • Outrage! Is Now • Last Gang • Release: 9.8.17
Photo Credits: Last Gang
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the musical hype

the musical hype aka Brent Faulkner has earned Bachelor and Masters degrees in music (music Education, music theory/composition respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and a freelance music journalist. Faulkner cites music and writing as two of the most important parts of his life. Notably, he's blessed with a great ear, possessing perfect pitch.

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