DMAs at Outernet

 New venue for me, and indeed a new venue full stop. It is part of the redevelopment brought about by the creation of the new Elizabeth Line station at Tottenham Court Road. Needless to say we got in very early so could pick spot at the front.

The support act were called Stone. From Liverpool. As the Scouse lead singer was keen to tell us. Not a bad band and he was a decent frontman, although tediously, like almost all Liverpool bands, they suffer from the weight of the enormous chip on their shoulders.

DMA's, as always, were great. I love their songs and music, and have commented in many past entries on how much heavier their sound is than on record. Another surprising element compared to most bands relates to charisma. Most bands have a lead vocalist who one way or another draws the attention from the rest of the band. But not DMA's. Lead singer Tommy O'Dell has a beautifully sweet voice, but that really is all you get. He is not strikingly handsome, energetic, charismatic, dynamic. He just ambles around a little bit.

The man you watch is Johnny Took on acoustic guitar. He isn't handsome either, and while he sings along sometimes, never near a microphone. But he is the one who gestures, prances around and delivers often incredibly manic stares that you wouldn't want to face down a dark alley. He is definitely the one who adds the visual element to their stage performance!