‘Live At Brixton’ DMA’S album review by Chris High
It’s god to be home, even when you’re thousands of miles away. At least, that’s what the DMA’S recording of their gig at The Brixton o2 Academy sounds like. A return of the Australian Indy band that is intent on setting the world on fire.
A mixture of upbeat anthems, high octane anthems and quieter, emotive ballads of almost Psalmic intonation, there is something here for everybody. The atmosphere is almost tangibly electric as the set begin with a pulsing Feels Like 37. From the off, vocalist Tommy O’Dell has the audience right where he wants them.
A good live album reminds those who were there of a superb evening. A really good live album makes those weren’t there, wholeheartedly wish they had been. Live In Brixton very definitely falls into the latter category.
At the time of recording, Silver had yet to be released as a single. You’d never have guessed. The crowd simply eat it up and the energy levels take to a new high as the subtlety of Johnny Took’s acoustic guitar gives way to a faultless rendition being sung back by the hungry-for-more 5,000 devotees.
The thumping Life is a Game of Changing has the stamp of just about every Indy band from The Stone Roses through to The Lightning Seeds, The LAs and onwards. Yet this is a song that is also uniquely grounded in all that stands out about DMA’S. Atmospheric as it is mesmerising, the poetic brilliance of the lyrics combined with the rhythm of the beat provided by Liam Hoskins’ marvellous drumming.
It’s good to hear that Delete, the recording trio’s debut single from 2014, is still in the set list. A song of heart-wrenching purity that Oasis could only dream of matching in its sincerity, this provides another fine opportunity for a sing-a-long. Closing on the dreamy Your Low, you can hear the regret in the band’s farewells, knowing full well that they have just nailed it in front of an army of fans.
Live albums capture a moment when a band is at their rawest, hottest best. DMA’S: Live At Brixton certainly ticks that box and, in addition, underlines exactly why arenas around the UK are advertising their appearances so readily. If you haven’t seen them yet, let this be an introduction to when you do.
