DZ Deathrays are a dance-punk trio hailing from Bundaberg, Queensland. Forming in 2008, the outfit consists of frontman and guitarist Shane Parsons, guitarist Lachlan Ewbank and drummer Simon Ridley. DZ Deathrays perform a sound that borrows from punk, hardcore and classic rock, marrying fuzzy, maxed-out riffs with arena-sized hooks.
DZ Deathrays achieved national fame with their 2012 debut album Bloodstreams. Produced by Burke Reid, the record won awards for Best Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Album and Best Independent Hard Rock Album at the ARIA Awards.
They've since gone on to release two more albums via I Oh You, with their most commercially successful, 2018's Bloody Lovely, peaking at #4 on the ARIA Albums Chart. Their latest album, Positive Rising Pt. 1 was released in August 2019 and highlights the bands continuing ability to embrace diverse influences.
Despite being only a three-piece, the band is a touring force to be reckoned with. Blasting power chords from Marshall stacks in festivals across the land, their style is a feelgood, energetic throwback to the sun and beer-soaked stages of the '90s. Massive rock 'n' roll energy, with effortlessly catchy singalong melodies, with classic riffs spilling out of the band's twin guitar attack.
In the wake of COVID-19, the live scene has been smashed in Australia and throughout the world. Let's hope we can get this glorious band back on stage sometime soon.
