WORDS DESH KAPUR IMAGES BILLY SEAGRAVE
Aussie three-piece, indie kings the DMA’S composed of Tommy O’Dell, Matt Mason, and Johnny Took were playing Aviva Studios Manchester tonight and All Music Magazine UK were there to witness it
First to to take the stage is Mia Wray, a rising Australian pop singer, songwriter and musician from Noosa, Queensland. with a Holly Humberstone- like style, Mia Wray is destined for big things with here catchy indie pop and brilliant vocals, a great start to the evening, keep your ears peeled this lady is going places
Prior to the emergence of the DMAS, there existed Stone, a four-member band hailing from Liverpool, gaining considerable attention. They impressively dominated the stage from beginning to end. Taking inspiration from the maiden name of their frontman Fin Power’s mother, Stone kicked off at a blistering 100mph. Power skillfully brandished his guitar like a weapon, culminating in a finale of youthful anarchy. This group not only pays tribute to their Britpop influences but also crafts a sound that seamlessly blends nostalgia with innovation.
This is most likely the 5th or 6th time I have covered the DMA’S and tonight was the best I have seen them, the venue is amazing and a perfect for the `DMA’S . There was a connection between the band and the audience that you could almost touch, it was electric.
The venue was packed, fully sold out, as has been most of this tour, and the crowd were fully amped for the arrival of their heroes. Chants of DMA’S rang around the room. The band walked onto the stage and the venue erupted.
The DMAS are the jewel in the crown of Australian indie pop right now. Three lads from Sydney, Australia, playing, if I had to pigeonhole it, Oasis-inspired Britpop with shades of La’s, The Stone Roses, and The Charlatans. But they are so much more than that. they do it with their own style and swagger.
Right from the very first song, the crowd sang along. It’s hard to pick any particular song that stood out because they are all great tunes. The band played tracks from all their releases, “Hills End”, “For Now”, “The Glow” and the post-pandemic EP release “I Love You Unconditionally, Sure I Am Going to Miss You”. But the set as you would expect is predominantly made up of tracks from their latest release.
Right from the first chords of “Olympia”, the indie bangers came one after another, “The Glow”. and “Timeless” are all brilliant and the whole of the venue is rocking,
“Get Ravey’ and “Something We Are Overcoming” follow and the whole venue is bouncing what the band lack in audience interaction, is made up with an amazing performance and the true beauty of Tom’s voice. He was immaculate tonight. I could listen to him sing all day. Throw in the brilliantly fractured vulnerability of “Emily Whyte”, and it was a another night to remember.
But its “Silver” that blows the roof off, , my favourite track of theirs and by the way the crowd in here tonight reacted the favourite of many many people gathered here, it does make the hairs on the back of my neck stand up when Tommy lowers the mic and lets the whole of the room sing the song back to him, “Silver” is such a delicately beautiful song one of the best songs written in the last ten years”. It swoops and dips with the most beautiful melodies and harmonies. Tom Odell’s voice shines and the lyrics are so moving and tender.
As the band played through thier set of anthemic indie pop gems, it was amazing to watch the crowd, with phone lights raised, on each other’s shoulders, singing along word for word, bringing back memories of scenes past, and anticipation of what these three chaps could go on to achieve. Lead singer Tommy O’Dell’s voice filled the room, accompanied by Matt Mason and Johnny Took on lead guitar and acoustic guitar and the night was over in a flash.
So, until the next time lads, cheers!!!!!
Set List
Olympia
The Glow
Timeless
Get Ravey
Something We Are Overcoming
Emily Whyte
In the Air
Straight Dimensions
Fading Like a Picture
Silver
Tape Deck Sick
Delete
Feels Like 37
Encore:
Step Up the Morphine
Lay Down
(Hello Girlfriend Outro)
Everybody’s Saying Thursday’s Thursday is the weekend.
FOLLOW DMA’S
FOLLOW STONE
FOLLOW MIA WRAY
My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago
