First, a confession: Though having heard of DMA’s, I’ve pretty much been procrastinating instead of delving into the reputation these Sydney lads have achieved in such a short time. So what a surprise I walked into, upon descending into Circular Quay’s sweet Basement.
With a heaving crowd absolutely crammed in from front to back, The Basement feels like it’s sandwiching us between the incredibly low ceiling and the floor. Not many take notice of this, particularly DMA’s themselves. Strolling onto the stage with minimal to no interaction, we neither get a ‘hello’ or an introduction, just a launch into the sparkly acoustics of Feels Like 37, met with rapturous cheers.
Not that they let the cheers throw them — for the most part, the majority of the guys on stage are looking overly unaffected. Never really cracking a smile, they more so look like they’re in work mode, concentrating profusely to get the job done.
But that’s just it. You get the feeling that this music is made for the fans, not necessarily for the makers. Nearly all of these lucky ticket holders are jerking uncontrollably, with pure joy and adulation as they pelt the words back at their authors. It’s a scene that is no doubt a common occurrence at the gigs of DMA’s main influencers, Brit-rock-fathers Oasis, and oddly I’m struggling to remember what country I’m in.
As we race through their set list, including favourites Your Low, Laced and Play It Out, the sight is literally six dudes, casually, but not too energetically, bopping along on stage as if it’s a simple pub session on a Sunday afternoon.
Set highlights include So We Know, an acoustic opening that expresses itself later as the electric guitar jumps in and shreds the vibe to pieces. Delete is another highlight, with the largest wall of sound erupting as the room sings along with reckless abandon and the place goes nuts.
“This is the last song. Thanks for coming. See you later,” the band say.
That’s it. There’s no banter, no flamboyance, no obscene acts of superstardom. Just some lads dressed like kids from 1980’s England playing sweet rock-pop gems.
It’s safe to say jumping on the DMA’s bandwagon has taken an unnecessarily long time.
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DMA’s self-titled EP is out now.
Watch: DMA’S – Your Low
