DMAs Review- Enmore Theatre

Australian indie rock is on the rise, and a prominent figure in this come up are the lads from DMAs. After an extremely successful self titled 2014 EP, and also a highly acclaimed debut album, “Hills End” the 3 piece band faced their biggest Sydney show yet, selling out the Enmore Theatre.

Straight away their presence of stage was felt. The boys recruited a full band to perform their killer tracks, as safely playing through their debut album. This created a much meatier and gritty sound to their more laid back Britpop recorded sound.

This much larger sound instantly created a raw and an an energy that was unstoppable. The crowd mirrored the energy presented on stage. The insane noise that was created from the front was mirrored all the way to the back. The front of the crowd presented similarities to a pinball machine, with hair flying and bodies barging into each other. The energy was insane and captivating. “Too Soon” became a moment of complete insanity throughout the mosh, with some people singing, and some preoccupied with dancing insanely.

This energy however did not compromise the strength of the performance and ability of the boys to be extremely talented musicians. The crisp acoustic guitar was accompanied by amazing vocals from Tommy O’dell. Not only did he pour his heart out with every bar sung, but the connection and love given to him by the audience singing back every word performed, provoked an intimacy that is hardly seen within this genre.

As every avid listener of DMAs knows, they aren’t all about aggressive energy, but also mellow acoustic vibes. The transitions from these tracks, to the more acoustic laid back songs were near perfect. The connection created through the energy was transformed into one of amazing sing alongs and sways. Their largely renowned song “Delete” provided amazing progressions and crowd singing, one that became infectious to all. Their simple yet extremely effective acoustic ballad “So We Know”, became a key moment in the night. One that highlighted the extent that these lads were something more powerful than a party Britrock band that sends crowds nuts but one with heroic energy, and pure class.

The set closed with an amazing rendition of their major hit, “Lay Down”. The performance of this song perfectly tied together everything that made the performance incredible. An amazing positive energy, a moving sing along, potentially perfect vocal and instrumental performance.

It’s truely amazing to think that these boys only banded together to be DMAs 2012. Their presence, and cohesion on stage is one of such high standard that many Australian bands are unable to reach.

SETLIST

Play It Out

Feels like 37

Straight Dimensions

Melbourne

Timeless

In The Moment

Too Soon

Beautiful Stranger (Madonna Cover)

Step Up The Morphine

Your Low

So We Know

Delete

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Laced

Lay down