Album Review: DZ Deathrays – Positive Rising: Part 1

  • Peter Hough posted
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DZ Deathrays

Positive Rising: Part 1 - Alcopop! Records

Positive Rising: Part 1 from the Australian (now) three-piece DZ Deathrays is the first half of a two-album opus and is the fruit of a lengthy and clearly very productive spell in LA with producer/friend Miro Mackie. As a band with a reputation for raucous and tumultuous live shows, this album feels like what it is – a studio project. The freedom to experiment has resulted in a complex and layered piece that while structured and carefully constructed, does not feel over-produced. The introduction of layered synths and effects does not detract from the immediacy and driving power that you would associate with a band that thrives on the live arena.

Sonically, this is an odd album. Their self-styled ‘doom rock’ has acquired an almost European flavour. From the haunting intro of Hi Everyone forwards, I was reminded of the dreamy expanses of Indochine and the heavy bass gloom of Covenant. But this is a band with a very unique and idiosyncratic approach to their art. In their pomp, there are hints of their compatriot Steve Kilbey – maybe that’s an Australian thing, I don’t know. There are flavours of The Airborne Toxic Event in the chiming guitars and depth of the songs. But because this canvas is so broad, you can play ‘spot the influence’ all day with this and that would be pointless because this is a piece of work that has its own very strong personality. It twists and turns, leading you on down a straightforward rock path before throwing in some very odd and disconcerting chord progressions, just to remind you to keep listening. And this is one you’re going to want to listen to over and over because it is rich and wondrous fare. Standout track for me is Year Of The Dog, which features The Bronx’s Matt Caughthran. It’s all good though and the sense of experimentation does not undermine what is a terrific rock record. Unsettlingly good. I look forward to Part 2.

Positive Rising: Part 1 is out on Alcopop! Records on the 30th August and can be pre-ordered here