Lucy reviews indie rock stalwarts DMA's' support set ahead of Liam Gallagher's arena headliner in Sheffield.
From the moment we stepped into the local spoons to when the band started playing, Sheffield was lit up with ecstasy and excitement - excitement to witness music in true 90s Mancunian spirit. It’s no secret that the night’s headliner was one of many 90s icons to serve as inspiration for the support, something clear from the rhythmic guitar hooks and the cool and commanding stage presence. Having seen DMA’s support Noel Gallagher this summer and now supporting Liam once again, it was difficult to imagine what a feeling must have been for the trio.
Looking into the crowd, the demographic was not all too dissimilar from that of your DMA’s headline gig; bucket hats for miles and flares in pockets, with Stone Roses and Oasis t-shirts densely populating the crowd. A crowd and headliner like these are perfect for DMA’s and proved to be so. The lights dimmed and the familiar spiralled logos appeared on the screens above. People cheered before the set began, showing many to already be familiar with the music of the Aussies. I think this goes to show the growing success of the band; an audience for a rock ‘n’ roll legend like a Gallagher cheering before the band have even started is quite admirable.
"A mixture of pints and hands were in the air and our night kicked off on a high."
The familiar hook of Play It Out started and the crowd was electrocuted with energy, a great starter to the set and a personal favourite. We shouted the lyrics at the top of our lungs from our seats, hoping we might out-sing Tommy O’Dell, although to no avail. A mixture of pints and hands were in the air and our night kicked off on a high. The energy carried on into Dawning, another big single for the band.
Next, the band slowed down the pace ever so slightly to play the lead single off their new record, Silver. The track’s vibe is definitely slightly different to that of previous DMA’s tracks, a gradual crescendo vocally and musically to the second pre-chorus, with a few more drawn-out, epic synths as opposed to your usual head-nodding guitar riffs. But of course it made for a significant contribution to the set and should excite new and existing fans for what to expect on this next album.
"The set was perfectly decided, highlighting every aspect of musicianship they offer and are continuing to develop."
After this, the band resorted to a few more fan and album favourites, with Time & Money and of course, In The Air. DMA’s also treated us to a brand new track. The sound, like Silver, was definitely different from past albums; I found it had a small pop-punk feeling to it, although not quite so in your face, more subtle – perhaps it was the backing vocals from Mason, or the upbeat bassline and lead guitar riffs. This all amounted to what I found to be a great track, and left me even more curious to hear the new record in the works.
After this, the crowd immediately got on the shoulders of anyone willing following the familiar acoustic guitar intro of Delete. The reach of the song evidently extends the immediate fan-base, but it was incredibly refreshing to see such a crowd light up for the song, singing every lyric in (tenuously) perfect tune. Of course, the band finished with Lay Down, another favourite and always a crowd-pleaser. As soon as the drums and guitar riff kicked in, flares lit up those standing and served as quite the sight for everyone seated. Again, the band livened the crowd and O’Dell relished in the moment; singing with the crowd and gesturing for more and more, riling everyone up.
An existing fan myself, it’s always a shame to see the band off and up when the set eventually finishes, especially when supporting with a shorter set list. However, the set was perfectly decided, highlighting every aspect of musicianship they offer and are continuing to develop. It’s hard to deny how well-fitted the band were with the gig and how much they commanded the venue. I wouldn’t be surprised to bump into some familiar faces from Sheffield at the next DMA’s headline gig.
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