DMA's Destroy Glasgow Barrowlands with Perfect Performance
Craig Wares
DMA’s are without a doubt one of the hottest bands about right now. This aussie trio have taken the UK by storm since their debut album back in 2016 and have been adopted into UK music lovers hearts, as one of our own. From their classic indie/Britpop style songs to their fresh take on artists such as Cher and Atomic Kitten, DMAs are doing everything right. Could there be a better place to get my first live DMA’s experience that Barrowlands?
Yet before DMA’s stormed the stage there were two fantastic Ignition Records acts to enjoy in Rosborough and Neon Waltz. Irish singer/songwriter Rosborough opened the show and really turned heads with his impressive vocal range and the fast paced ‘Fall to Earth’ had quite a few toes tapping. Although still not many folk through the door, he managed to start the night very well.
One year after the realease of their album and one day after the release of their latest single ‘The Stranger Things’ Neon Waltz took to the stage. Now looking very full, the Barrows were electric. As a veteran “Waltzer” I can say it is one of their best gigs yet. Many of the crowd singing along and their new music going down a treat, they clearly have an ever growing audience.
When the crowd caught a glimpse of the emerging trio in the signature caps the place erupted. Pints flying, crowd roaring, if wasn’t clear already it was now deadly apparent that this was going to be a good night. When the first chord of ‘Play It Out’ was struck not a foot touched the ground. Everyone jumping and not a single wrong word sung by the crowd, we were in the palm of DMAs hand. They didn’t beat around the bush, they dove straight into three more absolute bangers in ‘Dawning’, ‘Melbourne’ and ‘Timeless’. When they paused to take a breath the crowd chanted “DM, DM, DM f*****g As”. In an attempt to give the crowd a minutes rest we were treated to the slower ballad of ‘In The Air’. The torches and phones came out to capture Tommy O’Dell’s amazing vocal performance for this one.
The musical masterclass continued and the crowd kept up there energy, bouncing from song to song and smashing my personal favourite, the touching and tender ‘Step Up The Morphine’. Coming towards the end of their set we were treated to a sublime acoustic version of ‘The End’ where O’Dell again showed off his flawless voice. Hearing ‘Delete’ for the first time in 2016 started my love affair with DMA’s so hearing is played live; which sounds even better live, gave me chills. They rounded their set off with the final song from the new album which is now one of their most popular songs ‘Emily Whyte’.
Off they went into the wings. Listening back to the crowd chanting their name, baying for more, they re-emerged. They treated us to ‘Feels Like 37’, followed by ‘Laced’ and they finished the night on a high with ‘Lay Down’.
With many modern bands there is a lack of real talent and live ability, but this couldn’t be more the opposite with DMAs. It was a flawless performance from start to finish. It was the first time I had seen them live and it certainly won’t be the last!
