DZ’s new album has landed after over a year of waiting and I am so keen to head bang to their latest tracks when they finally haul booty back to Melbourne after the European stint of their tour.
This dynamic duo of Brissie dance-punk bloody genius already gave us a taster back in June with the release of their single ‘IN-TO-IT’ which as an absolute firestarter. We also got ‘Year of the Dog’ featuring Matt Caughthran (frontman for The Bronx) serving up that sweet sweet summer thrash – super cute they got to write a song with one of the bands they credit with inspiring DZ Deathrays into existence. Beware of these bangers out there in the mosh kiddos, there will be blood.
Apparently Kirsty Tickle of Exhibitionist and Kim Moyes of The Presets also feature in the album somewhere. Now I don’t think anything will ever top infamous red wiggle Murray Cook’s appearance in Like People, but it’s always awesome when different artists get together to make music like this, keep up the collabs!
Now the rest of Positive Rising is only seven tracks excluding the singles, but don’t fret they only took two weeks to write Part 1 so we’ll have our Part 2 in no time children, be patient. ‘Hi Everyone’ is a neato little intro track with a strutting aesthetic, perfect to set the positive tone of the album. ‘Still No Change’ sweeps us back into the DZ Deathrays we know and love, quick into the hard-hitting riffs and upbeat dance-punk vibes. Shout out to the weird blue dudes in their Spotify clip. ‘A Lot to Lose’ is where it starts to get steamy, busting out some riffs with a bit more of a moody edge but still keeping it light and fun overall. ‘Hypercolour’ is a highlight for me. It’s a little different from their usual break-neck pace. Still very DZ and not slow by any means but providing something a little more immersive where you can close your eyes and feel the heat simmering and rumbling beneath. ‘Snakes’ is also a bit of a departure from the upbeat tone of the rest of the album, but a big fave for me. Heavy and edgy shreds with dark twists and a moody attitude. Returning to upbeat summer house party vibes with ‘Nightmare Wrecker’, but with an awesome sudden dip into a doom and gloom solo and back up again near the end. We finish with ‘Silver Lining’ which is a must-have for your next gatho.
Awesome build-up, heavy riffs, head-bang worthy beats – definitely sums up positive rising. Excellent work lads, bring on Part 2.
5/5
I OH YOU
Reviewed by Jess Sercombe