DZ Deathrays

Bloodstreams

2 April, 2012

It’s only taken a couple of years really for Brisbane’s DZ Deathrays to go from devastating house parties to become hot property across the Western world. Performing live as a two-piece, it’s been necessary for the group to publicise the fact they are not playing along with a backing track – it seems like so much more is going on than just a couple of dudes on guitars and drums.

While the energy and frenetic power of their live shows has obviously proven a little difficult to catch on record, their performance still shines through on their debut album. The guitars sound like a whole bunch of different instruments at once, with a myriad effects creating more layers of sound than should really be possible. On Teenage Kickstarts, the simple guitar line sounds like not one, but several synthesisers all at once. It would be heavy handed and cheesy if not for the subtle approach they’ve displayed.

It’s about the only thing they do subtly however. Most of the tracks explode in a frenzy of punk rock excitement with punchy drums smashing through highlights and holding back to create space where needed. On tracks like Dollar Chills and Debt Death, the drums become the pivotal instrument, creating much more than just a beat for the guitars.

When the tunes are a bit more chilled out, it’s usually via the dark disco found on Play Dead Until You’re Dead, which sounds more like French electro maniacs Justice than a punk band. The songs are simple and not over-thought, it’s the atmosphere and excitement of making live music that these guys are revelling in – and they’re doing it brilliantly.

Chris Yates

FACT FILE

Length: 13 tracks, 42 minutes
Mood: Exciting, energised, explosive

DID YOU KNOW?

This album reflects the last four years’ worth of hard work by the duo, Shane Parsons and Simon Ridley, after a busy schedule of international and national tours. Recording took place at White Room Studios, along with Richard Pike (of PVT) and Neil Coombe.

DZ Deathrays have toured nationally with the likes of Foo Fighters, Crystal Castles, Unknown Mortal Orchestra and Laneway Festival, as well as Fucked Up and Dananananaykroyd.

Their live shows have stretched well and truly across the globe and include performances at SXSW and The Great Escape. They have also played a number of shows with Band Of Skulls, Male Bonding and full tours of the UK with NYC punk band Cerebral Ballzy and the NME Radar tour.

They were placed in NME magazine’s and Q magazine’s Top 10 Bands of The Great Escape list, while NME took their praise even further, labelling the band the fourth most exciting new act of 2012, with critical acclaim from Mark Ronson, Unknown Mortal Orchestra and Huw Stephens of the BBC1.