This was the second night of the DMA’S 2023 UK tour at a packed-out Southampton Guildhall and I could tell it was going to be a loud one from the crowd even before they took to the stage. I know I was really excited to see them again, having a bit more knowledge of their back catalogue.

The band have two supports on this tour, both brought their own unique sound to the evening.I was only able to catch half of the first support, which was disappointing as what I heard was a fantastic voice with a low key ensemble, was fellow Australian singer / songwriter Mia Wray. I managed to catch her song ‘Monster Brain’ which she dedicated to depression and anyone who was on anti depressants to raise their hand, prompting many from the audience to do so in unison.

The second band to support were Liverpool based four-piece Stone who were keen to showcase their back catalogue including songs from the recent release, PUNADONK. Having caught some of their set at Victorious Festival earlier this year, it was great to see them supporting a big band like DMA’S and I’m sure it won’t be the last.

Opening with ‘I Gotta Feeling’, the band threw us into their own world of unapologetic punk and high energy, not giving any of us a chance to breath between the songs. But that is the kind of energy you want from a support band and one who you don’t want to miss on their next tour.

This is the second time I have seen DMA’s but have been a fan of their music since I heard Silver back in 2020 and they are one of the few bands that actually sound better live than on a recording. This is their second UK tour this year following the release of their 4th studio album ‘How Many Dreams’ and are still selling out venues on both tours throughout the UK.

DMA’s kicked off the proceedings with ‘Olympia’ from the album which instantly showcases dreamy vocals and reflect the bands more traditional sound. One of the highlights of a DMAs gig, is that they’ll always be some fierce audience interaction, which was apparent when their second song ‘Glow’ started, and it was hard to hear Tommy O’Dell over the noise behind me.

Their setlist was expertly mastered, combining fan favourites ‘In The Air’ and ‘Silver’ with new material from their latest album ‘Get Ravey’ and ‘How Many Dreams’.

Tommy O’Dell’s voice was, as always, flawless – and the other permanent members Matthew Mason and Johnny Took who rarely stays still, to the point where I don’t know how he plays such faultless chords with his guitar often raised above his head and swaying around the stage.

The band ended with a three-song encore, completing the evening with ‘Everybody’s Saying Thursday’s the Weekend’. The band have several dates left in their UK tour and I encourage everyone to go and see this band when they’re next touring.

Words and photos by Hannah Kenyon

Website – dmasdmas.com
Facebook – facebook.com/DMASDMAS
Instagram – @dmasmusic
Twitter – @dmasmusic