The first time I ever saw DMA’s live was supporting The Courteeners in 2014 and I could not believe they weren’t from Manchester, let alone Australia. Their sound is so true to 90s British Rock music and their debut Hill’s End was an almost continuation of where Oasis left off, positioning them extremely well to kick on with Album two For Now.
Now, britpop is a term that is almost synonymous with 90s indie-rock and several bands are seen as championing the revival of this wonderful genre; it isn’t until you hear DMA’s though that you realise most of these bands are in fact rip-off merchants, rather than original artists which is where the Sydney three-piece really stand out. The new record though is a big step away from their Oasis-style roots and DMA’s explore the depths of Britpop, hinting at several other influences such as John Power and The La’s/Cast and Ocean Colour Scene, offering a more mellowed, mature sound compared to record one
By combining the best of a decade of incredible music, the band produce three of their greatest tracks to date early on in the album. “For Now”, “Dawning” and “In The Air” are outstanding pieces of music, both melodically and lyrically; they are three defining tracks within the britpop revival and harness both the romance and beauty of 90s rock and the commercial awareness and drive needed to be successful in the 2018 music industry.
Much of the album is a dreamy homage to the 90s but the three Aussies will be keen to make sure their music isn’t wholly branded as that. “Warsaw” and “Do I Need You Now?” have the attitude and grace of The Stone Roses and Ian Brown yet have enough originality to be a noticeable DMA’s track rather than one of their British counterparts. The band really stand out though nearer the end of the record; “Break Me” is a work of art and is only missing another minute or two of guitars to be regarded a classic.
“Lazy Love” and “Time and Money” are decent filler tracks, unlikely to set the live show alive but nice nevertheless. The final two tracks however, I could listen to on repeat for days on end. “Health” is a wonderful song showcasing vocalist Tom O’Dell’s control and even when isolated with a limited backing track, he excels and drives the track beautifully. Album closer “Emily Whyte” is a song that isn’t just a reminiscence of the 90s but is almost a homage to the first DMA’s record; highlighting the bands growth and departure from their one-influence roots. Think Manic Street Preachers melodies combined with the lyrics of The Cure topped off with the vocals and instrumental control of Pulp and you get the produce “Emily Whyte”. An incredible, perfect track that rounds off a stunning album in style.
Last seen as support on THE KOOKS huge arena tour, DMA’S return to the UK this year for the following headline dates and festival appearances in the North:
MAY
Sat 05 LIVERPOOL Sound City
Wed 09 LEEDS Beckett University
Sat 26 SHEFFIELD Plug
Sun 27 WARRINGTON Neighbourhood Weekender
AUGUST
Fri 24 LEEDS Festival
Halfway 2 Nowhere 