Culture, Music, Review

Live Review: DMA’s @ Manchester Victoria Warehouse

0 1038

Photography: Georgina Hurdsfield


DMA’s are leading the way for the new generation of indie fans. Still touring on the back of their latest release, For Now, which was released in April earlier this year, we caught the Australian three-piece at their last appearance of 2018.

As DMA’s took to the stage, they wasted no time with small talk as they opened with ‘Play It Out’, a fan favourite from their debut album Hills End. Within seconds, multiple flares had been lit, as the eager fans took control of how they wanted the night to be: chaotic and energetic. The audience were clearly craving a hint of nostalgia associated with giant Mancunian artists such as The Stone Roses and Liam Gallagher.

From start to finish, every song carried the energy of a hit ballad, as the room resonated with the distinct vocals of Tommy O’Dell, and the enthusiastic crowd sang every word back to the boys on stage. Whenever energy levels began to reach their apex, DMA’s deftly took back control over the room with one of their slower numbers like ‘Step Up The Morphine’ and ‘Delete’, which truly felt anthemic.

As the flawless performance continued, members of the crowd clambered onto each other’s shoulders, creating festival vibes which might have felt incongruous in such a dark room in the middle of winter, but somehow didn’t.

Although the stage presence was minimal, the crowd made up for it with their energy, especially when DMA’s performed their last song of the night, ‘Lay Down’, during which the crowd erupted into chaos. There was a sense of being transported to another time as the audience danced and sang along to the Stone Roses-esque track, which was clearly what they truly yearned for.

DMA’s have done what many others have tried and failed to do before: re-create the sounds of Mancunian Britpop for a new generation with talented musicianship, without forsaking their individuality or contemporary relevance.

About the author / 

Georgina Hurdsfield

Masters student in Psychological Wellbeing in Clinical Practice at Manchester Metropolitan University. Keen photographer and music enthusiast.

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More News Stories:

  • “Well-slept characters aren’t as interesting” – The minds behind ‘Misper’ on Manchester Film Festival and the allure of writing people on the edge

    Feature Image: Press “It’s important to find your people. Don’t feel like you have to find this incredible producer or person who’s going to give you loads of money and change your life” says Lauerence Tratalos, one-half of the Northern duo responsible for Misper; a feature debut for director Harry Sheriff and script writer Tratalos….

  • Ignoring Izzy @ Fuel Café Bar review – a wonderfully bizarre set

    Featured image and gallery: Lucy Elson-Whittaker Fuel Café Bar in Withington hosts the fifth stop of six-piece band Ignoring Izzy’s ‘Motorway Musk’ tour, following the release of their debut single. The room buzzes with the promise of chaos, and possibly a few flying vegetables. Opening the night is Manchester-based Leucotome, a witch-folk trio blending soft,…

  • Rick Astley / Gabrielle @ Co-op Live review – Manchester will never give them up

    Featured image and gallery: Sub Khan Opening the night, Gabrielle eases the Co-op Live crowd into the spectacular night ahead. There’s no need for spectacle, her presence alone is enough with her deep vocals echoing around the arena. A performance rooted in control and feeling, each song reveals a different shade of her understated command. Operating…

  • Chalk @ Gorilla review – unrelenting and endlessly energetic

    Featured image and gallery: Sam Holmes Formed in Belfast in 2019, Chalk have already made a name for themselves. From support slots for Fontaines D.C., IDLES and Sprints, to taking to the stage at SXSW earlier this year, the band’s growth has been rapid and shows no signs of stopping. Touring their debut album Crystalpunk,…