This album is exactly what it says on the box, bloody lovely.
DZ Deathrays are an Aussie rock duo split between Brisbane and Sydney, known for their killer riffs, festival bangers and catchy choruses. It’s a marriage made in heaven and I have no intention on serving divorce papers, especially after this album.
It’s a tough sell to think DZ Deathrays have gone bigger, bolder and braver than their last two albums. Against all odds, Bloody Lovely pulls it off.
DZ are just two guys, so it’s important they push their capabilities with each release to prevent things from going stale. It goes without saying that a two-man set up is limiting, and while it best suits a dank basement, it has become a rather prominent gimmick in modern rock music.
Bands like White Stripes, Slaves and Royal Blood come to mind who, don’t get me wrong, can write serious bangers and amazing songs, but constantly fall victim to being one dimensional with every album. Even bands as eclectic as Hella suffer from being limited in this way, it’s nothing personal, it’s just a fact.
DZ have been guilty of this on a few tracks, but they’ve pushed their limits with every album. Even in the interim, they have found a way to push out the perimeter as they slowly, but surely, forge their own unique sound.
Bloody Lovely sounds the most unique out of their catalogue, it’s utterly huge and is full of expertly crafted melodies. It’s speckled with dynamic changes, showcasing their unique talent to switch between ear crunching riffs, euphoric builds and pensive lows.
Best of all, they do all this without you even noticing. It’s only when you’re low-key banging your head in bliss, saying yes under your breath, do you realise how well written this album is.
While the set up has natural limitations, I barely notice it on Bloody Lovely. Shane Parsons’ vocals and guitar work continues to impress, while Simon Ridley’s skin tearing beats drive it along something pretty.
Feeling Good, Feeling Great is as energetic as it is catchy, Bad Influence punches you straight in the face and Witchcraft Pt.II closes the album beautifully, transitioning into a gorgeous downtempo section, reminiscent of Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath.
Songs Afterglow and High both take you down, showing it’s not all about the thrash. Both of these track pull back the BPM and strip off, with sparse riffs and high-end lead melodies.
This album does have its pitfalls and as much as I loved it, they fail to close the deal on some of the bigger builds, not taking me into outer space as far as I would’ve wanted.
I feel like this was never their intention however, their punk-inspired thrash music is meant to keep your feet firmly planted on the ground, in the reality it’s attempting to draw your attention to. Shane’s lyrics are full of meaning, particularly in Bad Influence, dealing with self-medication and the state of modern politics, all in a song that lasts 1:11. This music isn’t an escape and to describe it as such seems unfair.
This album is what it purports to be and more, I’ll be recommending it for a while to come. So what are you waiting for? Go check it out.
Bloody Lovely is available February 2nd. Catch DZ Deathrays on their national album tour:
Young Henrys Pop-Up Bars
Friday, 2nd February – Greaser Bar, Brisbane – Details
Saturday, 3rd February – Ramblin’ Rascal Tavern, Sydney – Details
Sunday, 4th February – The Beaufort, Melbourne – Details
National Tour
Friday 4th May – The Gov, Adelaide (Lic/AA)
Saturday 5th May – Capitol, Perth
Thursday 10th May – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
Friday 11th May – The Metro Theatre, Sydney (Lic/AA)
Saturday 12th May – Hellenic Club, Canberra
Thursday 17th May – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
Friday 18th May – 170 Russell, Melbourne
Saturday 19th May – Republic Bar, Hobart
Friday 25th May – The Triffid, Brisbane (Lic/AA)
All tour shows supported by Clowns, These New South Whales and Boat Show. Tickets available here.
