DMA’s

We are familiar with DMA’s, hailing from a suburb of Sydney, Australia, the Newtown trio has often been compared to Oasis. Being one of the most anticipated album releases of 2016, Hills End finally sees light and after much hard work, the debut is ready and could not have come at a better time.

Let’s just say Timeless is a timeless opener. The track becomes an instant classic with a bass line that is not to be forgotten. The guitars, the rock, it is all there and is everything that is ever wanted in an opening track of a debut record.

As a previously released single, Lay Down is introduced with upbeat drums and a guitar solo that remains consistent throughout the song. Its high intensity builds a promising sound that will find fans eager to stay tuned in.

Things are then slowed down for the band’s biggest hit, Delete, an acoustic ballad which appeared on their self-titled EP nearly two years ago. The lyrics, “Don’t delete my baby / Don’t defeat her still … Don’t delete my baby / I’ll find a chorus now”, involve a great sing-along that closes with a soft electric style.

Too Soon and In the Moment define where the band is musically. Tommy, Mason and Johnny’s own ideas maintain a great feeling throughout each song, while Step Up the Morphine shows a slightly different side to DMA’s that showcase lead singer Tommy O’Dell’s vocals in a similar way to So We Know. The vocals are strong and loud and really prove what the band has to offer.

All the travelling between the UK and Australia over the last couple of years has led the trio to write Melbourne, which is about the issues of anxiety and depression. The song is well-produced and speeds up only to end with a quick fade out.

Being a laid-back type of song for a sunny day, Straight Dimensions leads towards the ending of the album. Blown Away slows things down with the lyrics “How can I protect you when I’m lost in the crowd?” Acoustic guitarist Johnny Took explained the song meaning to Music-News.com, “An old friend of mine went overseas. People are going to do their own thing and people are going to move on. Sometimes these things are out of your control, you just have to roll with it.”

The Switch starts to draw the album to an end. The pop influence makes it a very memorable track with a relaxed melodic guitar solo. The guitar pace is picked up in the final track Play It Out with distorted vocals. The song fits the closing position as the album is played out with the feeling of wanting more.

Believe the hype. DMA’s debut is a must to add to your record collection. Hills End shows why the band is much more than a Britpop revivalist. This talented Aussie trio give the music industry everything there is to offer.