DZ Deathrays - Bloodstreams
IOHYOU/Illusive Sounds
Metal Inspired Alt-rock
13 songs (42:07)
Release year: 2012
Reviewed by Bar

DZ Deathrays have certainly got their hearts in the right place. Raw attitude is priceless in this business, and these boys have got the genuine article in spades. It’s an asset the two-piece from Brisbane, Australia have been utilising well in their mission to tear local audiences a new ear for a couple of years now, but it seems recording an album worth listening to at home is a somewhat more difficult prospect.

The most glaring issue is that their self-proclaimed “thrash party” moniker turns out to be totally misleading. While I’m sure it works for them from a sales perspective, for accuracy’s sake I feel obliged to mention there isn’t an ounce of thrash on the album. Not one second’s worth. It’s a shame too, because it would have been much more appealing (and consistent with their image) than the grungy alt-rock presented in its place. Municipal Waste these guys ain’t. To a casual listener that might just seem like an astute marketing ploy, but anyone looking for real metal might be justified in feeling a little ripped off.

Ironically, for all the macho bravado on show, DZ Deathrays seem to shine brightest on the two or three tracks which allow their pop sensibilities to flourish. The disco beat and rocking charm of Gebbie Street makes for much more enjoyable listening in a recorded context than the sloppy, try-hard faux metal of Teenage Kickstarts and No Sleep. Likewise, the melodic vocal hook of Dumb it Down suggests an aptitude for clever pop song-writing which is sadly absent elsewhere on the album.

It’s not that these guys aren’t talented. As a matter of fact, the sound these two guys are able to achieve from just one guitar and a drum-kit is pretty impressive at times. On top of that, they’re still pretty young, and there are plenty of hints in Bloodstreams to suggest that they could have a solid recording career in the years to come. Unfortunately this first attempt at a full-length does not represent a successful transition from live act to recording artist. In order to really succeed in that endeavour one feels they must give up on the wannabe metal attitude and just admit they’re pop-rockers at heart. They’ll be much better for it if they do. For now, here’s my suggestion. Polish off a bottle of Jager and go see their live show instead.

*A shorter version of this review originally appeared at Music Universe

Killing Songs :
Dollar Chills, Gebbie Street, Dumb It Down
Bar quoted 61 / 100
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There are 3 replies to this review. Last one on Mon Aug 27, 2012 11:48 pm
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