Dead Language brings his infectious pop to Living Under A Rock on Purple Sneakers Radio

18 August 2017 | 11:12 am | Ted Dwyer
Originally Appeared In

Catchy hooks, subtly intelligent lyrics, and charming arrangements put Dead Language at the cutting edge of indie pop. Hear more on our FBi Radio show.

Sydney artist Dominic Price, aka Dead Language, is the focus of the latest edition of Living Under A Rock, the cheeky segment of our show at FBi Radio that showcases the best and brightest in indie, rock, pop, and everything else that's just not dance.

Dead Language's debut EP, Like Heart, has been out in the world for a few months now, garnering plenty of attention and winning hearts around the country for its uniquely catchy arrangements, lush instrumentation, and emotive lyrics.

There's true emotional complexity and range spread throughout Like Heart. Price deals with everything from the death of his father to the burgeoning love he feels for his boyfriend, and indeed the insecurity that comes with allowing oneself a degree of vulnerability in a new relationship. All of this is presented through exquisitely accessible and concise songwriting borne on a rich voice and a full sonic palette, layered with strings, brass and synths.

Don't miss a beat with our FREE daily newsletter

The greatest pop music hides intelligent and intricate beauty beneath simple, catchy hooks, grabbing your attention on the first listen and offering up something new with each return. Dead Language's music has this in spades, and to pack so much into so few songs while crafting an instantly recognisable sound is a sure sign of good things to come.

Price is now devoting his time to working behind the scenes as a songwriter and further honing his technical skills in an audio engineering degree, so it's safe to assume the only way is up for Dead Language. If his next release is half as good as Like Heart, we'll be sold.

What's more, the video clip for 'The Man Who Killed My Father', directed by Rory Pearson (Varna Park), was an official selection at CLIPPED Music Video Festival earlier this year. It's a disco at a funeral, and it's stunning.

Catch Purple Sneakers on FBi Radio every Saturday from 5-6pm on 94.5FM (if you’re in Sydney), on DAB, and streaming online here.

Words by TED DWYER

Photograph by Sofi Marika

SEE ALSO