DMA'S - THE GLOW
Elisha shares her thoughts on the third DMA’S album, The Glow, and lets you know whether she thinks you should listen or not.
Excitement’s running high amongst DMA’s fans, with just a week to go until the release of their eagerly awaited third studio album THE GLOW.
Straight from the off it is clear that the new album is heavily influenced by the 90’s era, swinging more towards Britpop on the opening track ‘Never Before’. Giving off a Charlatans Some Friendly/Stone Roses Second Coming vibe, with the use of guitar pedal effects and synthesisers, creating an interesting jungle type sound.
The next three songs on the album, ‘The Glow’, ‘Silver’ and ‘Life Is A Game Of Changing’ have all been released as singles. The album as a whole is so strong but it’s clear to see why these were chosen to be released on their own. ‘Silver’ was the first to come out, and I fell in love with it the second I heard it, which in all honesty wasn’t what I was expecting. It was clear that they’d made an effort to incorporate some new and experimental sounds, but all whilst keeping to their indie roots. ‘Life Is A Game Of Changing’ really reinforced the idea that this album is going to be something that changes them in the best way possible.
‘Criminals’ feels really uplifting despite being one of the slowest on the album, “You can be anyone now / You can’t be anything else but you”. It’s one of them ones you can really imagine being belted out at a gig, people putting their heart and soul into it and everyone on someone’s shoulders. ‘Hello Girlfriend’ feels more early DMA’s, as much as they’ve pushed the boat out with this album and added more elements, it wouldn’t be right to not include a track like this; your classic indie guitar tune.
I spoke to Johnny about the album at the beginning of the year and he said ‘Round and Around’ was a song they’d had for a long time and tried to put on every release they’ve made, but it just never felt right until now. It fits in with this album so well as it incorporates both their signature sound and an element of that 90’s dance.
The final track, ‘Cobracaine’, is one that makes you close your eyes and properly concentrate on and get lost in the music. In fact, it made me cry the first time I heard it, as it reminded me why and how much I adore music. It feels almost old school rave, not because of its tempo but because of the way every single one of the sounds flows so well together and how the vocals wrap themselves around the music (when you hear it, you’ll know exactly what I mean). If there was ever a perfect way to round off an album, this would be it.
Elisha Cloughton
★★★★☆