Punky Aussie rockers DZ Deathrays thrash back into action with another riff-laden assault on the world’s delicate senses, a sixth studio album not short on forceful intent, lip-curled confidence, and “in-your-face” braggadocio.
Anthemic and anarchic, with those geetars to the fore, a thick bottom end, and even an occasional country twang (‘Hope For The Best’), R.I.F.F (DZ Worldwide) is an enjoyably brash collection from a seriously fun, loud, and experienced outfit.
First up, the title ‘Paranoid’ will remind you, of course, of Black Sabbath, and the song will remind you of the buzzy, fuzzy delights of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, while the “Oi! Oi!” chorus will remind you to quickly finish your beer and join in. There seems to be a real here-and-now relevance to the DZ world outlook, even if their take on the zeitgeist appears to involve a large helping of schadenfreude (see ‘Love & Destruction’). Anything they lack in real ambition or variety they try to make up for with loads of attitude.
‘Tuff Luck’ is cheekily foul-mouthed, while ‘King B’ is not the only number to be a bit Oasis-y, with acoustic guitar, piano, and synths in the mix. Other highlights include the dance-along/singalong hookiness of ‘Eat You Up’, and the superbly titled ‘My Mind Is Eating Me Alive’, which, like a few of the songs, boasts a Kasabian-esque stomp and an irresistible insouciance.
It’s all short and sharp, with the swaggering ‘Grounded Or Dead’ the longest of the 13 tracks, at 3:55. ‘No Talk’ pumps up the punk and could leave you wanting more, with only the brief, abstract aural melange of ‘Outro’ to come.
Brisbane’s DZ Deathrays are Shane Parsons (lead vocals and guitar), latest recruit Lachlan Ewbank (guitar and vocals), and Simon Ridley (drums and vocals). R.I.F.F, coming after the back-to-back “concept” albums, Positive Rising: Part 1 and Part 2, is well worth a spin, and by all accounts these guys rip it up live, having been praised following support slots with Foo Fighters, Biffy Clyro and others. Oi! Oi!
Buy the album here:
https://ilovealcopop.co.uk/collections/dz-deathrays
7 / 10
CALLUM REID