Luckily for them, and for us listeners, they delivered a quality album that took them to stages across the country and the world. Two years on, they face the unenviable task of tackling the tricky follow-up album.
First thing to note is that the Sydney three-piece haven’t tried to reinvent the wheel or go for a distinctly different approach. Instead of a marked change of tack, they’ve doubled down on their strengths and grown as songwriters and musicians. Singer Tommy O’Dell has greater faith in his vocal ability and is more willing to explore his range, while the melodies are simply sublime. The guitars, while obviously providing rhythm, combine into such perfect harmonies that they almost feel like another vocalist.
Lead single ‘Dawning’ is a great track, but in many ways it is just the entree to a plethora of impeccably crafted yet catchy songs to be found on For Now. ‘Time and Money’ is instantly familiar while also incredibly sincere. ‘In the Air’ is a slower cut that will surely prompt phone lights and cigarette lighters to come out at a live show. It truly showcases O’Dell’s voice, which has gotten smoother in the two years since their debut. If you had fears that the second half of the album mightn’t be able to keep up the pace, the twangy guitars and emotional lyrics of ‘Break Me’ ensure it’s a back-nine highlight.
To say that DMA’s have avoided the dreaded “second album syndrome” is putting it politely. The Sydney lads have shown they are no one-trick ponies with For Now. It’s an album that’s likely to be on the airwaves and in the heads of fans for years to come.
8.5/10
