DMA’s @ Shebeen
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DMA’s @ Shebeen

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How vain is rock’n’roll? Generally speaking, we prefer to see idealised human figures fronting of our favourite bands. But there are those (Rob Tyner, Frank Black and James Murphy for example,) who attract a devoted following while wearing skins that not many admirers wish to inhabit. DMA’s aren’t readymade poster boys, but tonight the Sydney band proved that if the songs are strong enough, then the surface details aren’t significant.

You won’t read a word about DMA’s that doesn’t employ the Britpop (and chiefly Oasis) descriptor. However, there’s a difference between ripping off Oasis and actually sounding like Britpop. DMA’s aren’t just some cloying tribute to Northern England’s ‘90s saviours. These boys genuinely excel in big hooks. They mightn’t be miraculously unique, but since when was that how pop music worked? Crucially DMA’s exercise expert melodic command. At times tonight there was almost a surplus of melody, but their casual execution prevented the songs from being a bombardment. 

Another key phrase that’s been stapled to the Sydney three-piece since their emergence a few months ago is ‘garage-pop’. This stems from the fact that their debut EP is a nuts-and-bolts home recording. The garage ethos matches the average-guys shtick, but sonically speaking it’s actually a detractor. Playing as a stadium-ready six-piece, tonight it became clear DMA’s belong in an expensive studio with Stephen Street behind the desk.

While there’s still some onstage settling-in to do, this gig was a great advertisement for the band’s future. Tommy O’Dell is something of a reluctant frontman. Even during the rousing demi-anthem, Delete, his gaze remained bored and aloof. Nevertheless, his vocals were flawless. Equally impressive was guitar player Matt Mason’s harmonies and supplementary vocal parts, which occasionally threatened to steal the limelight. Acoustic guitarist Johhny Took is the band’s spiritual nucleus and the member most willing to exhibit enthusiasm.

What often afflicts much-hyped acts is the overwhelming praise that comes their way before sufficiently developing their sound. Thankfully, the masses of hype don’t appear to be distracting DMA’s. The handful of unreleased songs debuted tonight showed that they’re certainly not shy of ideas. And throughout the 45-minute set, the audience response stretched well beyond curiosity, all the way to committed adoration.

BY AUGUSTUS WELBY

Photo by Ian Laidlaw

 

Loved: Shebeen turning drinking beer into an act of benevolence.

Hated: Bucket hats.

Drank: Beerlao.