By Adam McGrath
Every Australian I’ve met has this inherently global worldview, looking outward from the farthest corner of the planet. So it was no surprise to hear American and British rock influences on DMA’s self-titled EP, released May 19 via Mom+Pop. The Newtown-based trio of Tommy O’Dell, Johnny Took, and Matt Mason has blended musical tastes from their parents’ backgrounds with plenty of exposure to the world wide web, resulting in a batch of songs that evoke classic English bands while achieving a fresh sound through smart production.
DMA’s Photo by Mclean Stephenson
Don’t waste your time worrying about the band’s name—DMA’s is an arbitrary acronym with a superfluous apostrophe—and get right into the music. “Laced” is the first and catchiest track on the album, with bright melodies, evocative vocals, and a crashing chorus. “Feels Like 37” is pure American indie, and “Delete” is a superb shoegazer, beginning with a dark, pleading tone and gently building to a hopeful conclusion.
I had the opportunity to ask Matt Mason about DMA’s rapid evolution from studio band to international touring act. Just as the internet helped shape the trio’s musical tastes, it also became the most important outlet for them to get discovered.
“The internet is vital,” Mason says. “It’s the way bands get discovered today. We posted our music online and had record labels and managers calling us before we ever played a show.”
This isn’t bragging; DMA’s were never meant to be a live band. The three friends simply enjoyed writing and arranging songs with each other in a home studio.
“Recording and working in the studio is how we write all of our music,” Mason explains. “It’s rare that one of us comes up with a complete song. Often Tommy will map out a few chord changes, Johnny is more of the lyricist, and I help flesh things out with different sounds.”
Sharing the load seems to come naturally to the band, as all three members had acted as the front man in previous bands. The touring band expands to six players.
“We’re all comfortable being on stage,” Mason assures. “No one’s really anxious or holding back, so it made it easier to make the transition to playing these songs live.”
With all the recent buzz, Mason is quick to point out that it’s only the beginning of DMA’s journey. Huge festivals like Governor’s Ball and Lollapalooza are in store this summer, but for now the band is content to explore the American club scene.
“It is funny,” Mason admits, “because we’ve played to thousands of people at festivals in Australia, but because we’re not as well known here in the States, we might only play to 20 people at some of these shows. The fact that promoters and media outlets have taken notice of us is great, but the album just came out here, we’re just getting onto college stations, so it will take a little time.”
Philly music fans have the chance to see DMA’s in a smaller setting this Friday night, June 5, at Boot & Saddle on south Broad St., with local post-punk band The Silence Kit opening. Check out the video for “Laced” below and get hooked on this reimagined Euro sound.
