DZ DeathraysIt must be daunting to start on a new album when the last one was a bloody ripper. DZ Deathrays' aptly named Bloody Lovely in 2018 was just that. Catchy anthems like Like People and Shred For Summer elevated the Brisbane outfit to fresh heights, making their third release a tough act to follow. But only a year later, the former duo/now trio have returned with a two-part album – an opportunity for the band to explore some uncharted territory.
Positive Rising: Part 1 is certainly more indulgent than previous offerings, drawing out low-key jams and letting songs delineate from their usual riff/chorus/uprise format. It’s nice to hear the basis for those undeniable anthems unravel into meatier offerings, like closer Silver Lining. DZs also scored an idolised guest star in the form of The Bronx’s Matt Caughthran and his hoarse wails on Year Of The Dog.
Despite the notable shake-up in songwriting, there is no shaking that DZ swagger, with A Lot To Lose sporting some surf-rock flavours and Nightmare Wrecker retaining their doom-rock vibe and angular guitars. Let’s see how they back it all up with Part 2.
