Review: The Death Set – Michel Poiccard
The Death Set - Michel Poiccard (2011) [Ninja Tune] //Grade: A
For The Death Set, it’s been a real long time since the 2008 release of their debut Worldwide. Even by 2009 it had been a long time. A whole year full of amazingly constant and high energy touring, of partying and fighting and everything else under the sun. But fate, who sometimes has a very cruel sense of humor, unfortunately saddled one of the happiest and most upbeat bands around with the tragic and untimely death of founding member Beau Velasco. I don’t think I’m alone in thinking that we were ready to give The Death Set a pass on their next CD, if it ever even surfaced. But Michel Poiccard is not a surrender, but rather a triumph. Improving in every way over Worldwide, Michel Poiccard is a powerhouse record showing off a band at the top of their game.
Basically it’s still The Motherfucking Death Set, and it’s still really motherfucking good. It’s 17 tracks and 36 minutes of music that you will finish and instantly start over again. Keeping each track (save for one special one) under 3 minutes, Johnny, Japhet, and Dan are able to show off their stunning talent at crafting brawny hooks that pull you up out of your seat without holding themselves down with an ounce of bloat. Just when any particular melody begins to even vaguely flirt with overstaying it’s welcome, it’s quickly dispatched only to be replaced by an equal, if not better, candy coated sucker punch. 1.21 Gigawatt single “Slap Slap Slap Pound Up Down Snap” sets a high bar that’s maintained throughout. Their bratty sensibility is still very much intact (which is a good thing), but it’s supported by much more accomplished musicianship. XXXChange, an inspired producer choice, turns in superlative work and keeps their sound vibrant and alive but never less than listenable and balanced.
“We Are Going Anywhere Man” and “Michel Poiccard Prefers the Old” are both songs that, if perhaps coming from another source, one more amenable to not doing whatever the fuck they want, would be huge hits. They’re actually both quite pretty. So, by not letting themselves get beaten down, and instead improving on their sound, what was initially a party album has been surprisingly and almost secretly transformed into a glorious, long form tribute to the spirit of Velasco. It’s exemplified on “I Miss You Beau Velasco,” a all-out-party/tearjerker paradox that serves as the albums centerpiece. So, basically, way to go guys. It really is good.
