A year after their full length release 'THE GLOW'-an album which set a clear new direction for the band- DMA's return without warning with a new EP 'I Love You Unconditionally, Sure Am Going to Miss You'. Lucy Gray unravels this surprise release.
Emerging out of the woodwork unannounced, DMA’s return to their Hill’s End roots in this 4-track EP, titled I Love You Unconditionally, Sure Am Going To Miss You. An EP with nuanced suggestions about their musical direction proves to be an interesting as well as exciting release for fans. It seems odd that a band three studio albums deep into their career (not including one stellar MTV Unplugged album) should be releasing an EP, especially with no marketing behind it at all.
"Light guitar melodies and soft vocals from Tommy O'Dell balanced with grungy percussion and fast tempos defines this EP"
Upon reflection, this isn’t unexpected at all. Following their latest studio release, The Glow, the trio established their change in musical direction and growth as musicians. Although their typical rock edge wasn’t too far left behind, it was evident that the band has their sights set on new musical horizons and experimentation. Fans were given a record that shifted significantly from the band’s debut in Hills End, synonymously the record that had the most profound impact on their most dedicated fans. With this in mind, The Glow was always going to be a more testing record for existing fans.
Considering this, we might come to understand I Love You Unconditionally, Sure Am Going To Miss You as a love letter to the music that started it all. A self-produced record, it is raw to its core in the best way DMA’s know, yet retains the musical maturity found amongst the success of their previous years. Light guitar melodies and soft vocals from Tommy O'Dell balanced with grungy percussion and fast tempos defines this EP, and provides a short yet poignant burst of nostalgia for those who are familiar with the band’s discography.
We Are Midnight seems to be the staple track of the record, encompassing the DMA’s spirit that fans will be sure to grasp on to and the sort of spirit that makes their live shows an almost religious experience. DMA’s do a great job of tonal balance within their records, and they have summarised this ability in this EP still, seeing a staple ballad in the track Junk Truck Head Fuck (not given away by the title). It would be unsurprising to see inclusions of any of the 4 tracks in their live shows, with the band being particularly astute to fan feedback online. for example adding Tape Deck Sick from their second studio album to their setlists after reaching out for setlist requests over social media.
The release of this EP seems perfectly crafted for the path the band are taking themselves on. It is self-aware enough to nod towards their previous successes in their debut album, and a tribute to this part of the band’s persona. Yet, it rejects any promise to permanently return to these sounds. The DMA's have created just an EP and not a studio album. It is a love note, not a novel, and if anything reinforces that DMA’s are artists with a self-awareness that their creative influences are changing, as is their musicianship.
Written by: Lucy Gray
Edited by: Elliot Fox
In article images courtesy of DMA's via Facebook. Video courtesy of DMA's via YouTube.
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