The Aussie sensation returns to the UK.

It hasn’t been long since we last saw DMA’S, just a few months really, and yet their last week’s headline show sold out instantly. As they continue the avalanche of thrilling live shows across the globe, the Sydney trio makes their way back to London. With their debut album, Hills End, released in February last year, the performances they deliver capture, making their music sound as fresh as brand new. I’m even tempted to use one of their song titles to emphasise that the spirit seized on that record feels indeed timeless.

The expectations are filling up Electric Brixton tonight. The rowdy masses are buzzing, beer cups are flying above our heads, a couple towards myself let’s add, and cheers are arising, all in high anticipation to see the men of the night. As the lights go out the familiar figures emerge on stage, meeting loud screams hailing from the audience.

DMA’S take us back to the beginning as they open with already old-school Play It Out and Feels Like 37. The fluent and precise guitar work, a concoction of acoustic instrumentation and electronic setting, the courtesy of Johnny Took and Matt Mason, is what we’ve learnt to love when it comes to these guys.

Their gripping melodies, rich in upbeat and infectious rhythms, throw back the 90s classics with a tinge of pure freshness. Bringing along the developed tonality and lyrical depth, DMA’S effortlessly revitalise the truly missed Britpop, keeping it all unique and truly theirs at the same time.

Too Soon triggers off an utter madness with its monster guitars and arena-worthy chorus, whereas Timeless exposes more sensitive side of the band, and shines with a bass line that is never to be forgotten to shape an instant hit. Tommy O’Dell‘s raw but riveting vocals pierce through the ether as he belts out “Could it make you happy… I wouldn’t know you from someone else.”

The track sparks quite a stir amongst the crowd as a guy standing next to me says: “I hope there’s more tunes like this one ’cause it was amazing! What they’re having there is special”, and frankly I can’t argue with that statement. DMA’S bring all positive emotions in people. There’s this sensation of balanced symbiosis, they do their thing and the crowd responds. You’ve also got to love their laid-back attitude and sporty outfits, the image that will stick to them till the end, I suppose.

The nostalgic sensation strongly accompanies theit repertoire. First we’re being caught In The Moment, next captured by sparkly guitars of the emotive Step Up The Morphine, whilst totally falling for the compelling arrangement of So We Know. Led by Took’s absorbing acoustic guitar, accompanying Odell’s affectionate lyrics, the tune is one of the standout songs in tonight’s set, especially when the audience joins in for the last chorus.

It doesn’t matter what tracks DMA’S play as they all appear to be fan favourites. What’s more, they serve us a brand new song, Dawning, which defiantly resonates the rhythmical structure they master so well. Thriving in gleaming melodies and guitar-driven soundscape the tune accurately reflects a triumph they’re destined to evoke.

The stunning Delete rounds off the main set, and despite the band has to start off twice the crowd sings their parts anyway. A glorious sing-along to the track that shaped this community so significantly.

Naturally, the encore is in high demand. The loose riffs of Laced keep the energy on point till the very end. “Thank you London! We’re DMA’S from Sydney”, Tommy shouts before the band dives into the storming Lay Down. As I watch a few runners going nuts in the pit I think “This right here tonight is indeed special”.

I remember when I was catching up with the band last year and Johnny said: “The live format, which is six of us, is sounding better than it ever sounded”. Amazing how much they’ve developed during these couple of months, as the performances they deliver leave a mark of even more grandiose live experiences.

Photos: Kasia Osowiecka