DMA’s – For Now

Rough-around-the-edges charm with that timeless rock ‘n’ roll attitude...

There’s no denying that DMA's take their influences from the abundant indie scene, wearing them quite openly on their sleeves. Already having attracted the attention from the Gallagher brothers, there has been much interest surrounding them as of late. Although they’re from Australia — quite literally the other side of the world from us in the UK — the trio seem truly in the midst of it all.

Yes, the initial impression might be that DMA’s are plugged into the Oasis trend and walking a well-treaded path, yet, within the first few tracks of this new release, that suspicion might well lift, with the guys establishing something else entirely. Produced by The Presets’ Kim Moyes, title track ‘For Now’ opens the album, immediately adopting a salty swagger flavour. On first listen, it’s hard to ignore a sense of inconsistency and feeling that something’s lacking from its second half. That said, come the second time listening you start to stop questioning the diversity and simply celebrate the fact they’ve got the repertoire, and guts, to mix everything up and make it work. The rough-around-the-edges charm and guitar-packed indie is what follows on from first album ‘Hills End’, still full of that timeless rock ‘n’ roll attitude.

‘Dawning’ follows second, which sets the ethereal mindset for the ongoing duration of the LP. While the message of the song might be dark, they successfully create a juxtaposing melody that’s both uplifting and hopeful. Relatively easygoing, ‘Time & Money’ bursts colour, set alongside a strumming guitar and playful percussion. The euphoric ‘In The Air’ provides a wistful ballad, originally written on the piano a few years ago. “Who’s been fooling my emotions?” Tommy O’Dell longingly asks, “there’s nothing you can say even if you’re game enough.”

Anthemic ‘The End’ is uplifting — feeling like an instant classic, with ‘Warsaw’ closely tagging on behind. Alternatively, ‘Do I Need You Now’ has something particularly dreamy about it and, likewise, ‘Lazy Love’ mines adolescent bliss. Similarly ‘Health’ is simply quite beautiful; angelically mellow, it throws yet another style into the mix. Ending on ‘Emily Whyte’, by this point each track stands proudly, oozing self-assurance and vitality. Finishing on a somewhat slower, forlorn note, the DMA’s have surprised us. That’s another album in the bag. For now.

7/10

Words: Lauren McDermott

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