Review: DZ Deathrays @ Lion Arts Factory 17/01/26
It was bloody lovely for the boys from Brisbane to come visit and rock tracks new and old for an adoring crowd. Would not want it any other way.
Words Brad Pine // Images John Goodridge
DZ Deathrays w/Molly Rocket & Dark Daze @ Lion Arts Factory 17/01/26
DZ Deathrays have just kicked off this tour with the release of their seventh album, Easing Out Of Control. The album was released only on Friday, so I have not got around to all of it just yet. But I know it will be ten blistering tracks of noise rock, dance punk and everything in between. But with seven albums now out in the open, how would the boys treat their Adelaide fans?
A warm January night was locked out of the venue, with cooling fans inside at the ready. The Lion Arts Factory was the perfect venue for this gig – intimate, old school and with a steady number of fans ready to be blown away by the three bands on offer. I forgot the last time I stepped inside (maybe as Fowler’s Live), but it still felt like home.
The first support act for the night was DARK DAZE. With members from the “outer reaches” of Adelaide, like Blackwood and Glenelg, the five-piece did not take their foot off the pedal. Singer Jarrad Lee Jackson invaded the crowd within the first few moments, making the set connect with us immediately. ‘Static Television’ was my standout, and ‘Cold Cold Murderer’ was another chance for Jackson to join us on the floor. Very impressive performance, and I hope to see more soon.
Next up was Molly Rocket, who are seasoned professionals at this point on the Adelaide live circuit. The band has supported many acts over the past few years in a number of different venues around Australia. With a new EP on the way, let us see them take on some headlining gigs this year.
One aspect I loved was that vocalist Georgie Evans seemed to channel Siouxsie Sioux at times, which just added to our engagement with the set. Earlier in the night, they won the Sickest 100 countdown with their song ‘When He Walks Around’ – once played, this got the most cheers from the crowd.
For the second time in three days, the Angels’ classic ‘Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again?’ popped up at a show. This time it was the original recording to lead out DZ Deathrays’ Shane, Simon and Lachlan. With no hesitation, the trio burst into the title track of their new album, ‘Easing Out Of Control’, then segued into ‘First Night Fever’. The packed crowd felt the band’s force from the start, and it did not let up.
READ MORE: Review: The Last Dinner Party @ AEC Theatre 13/01/26
The first throwback of the night was ‘Total Meltdown.’ The track had everyone singing along, screaming as much as the boys onstage. To add to the amazing energy on display, the screen behind DZ Deathrays played overblown, posterised versions of their film clips in glorious two-tone. Sometimes black and white; other times green and red. The film glitched and jumped as the band continued to run through their set. Sometimes I was mesmerised by the screen, even though the song may not have been the same as the video.
There was a real contrast as we headed towards the middle of the set. ‘Real Love’ from their latest album was the most sombre of the night, allowing for the crowd to pull out their phones and shine their lights brightly. But no sooner had the ballad conclude that the pushing started when ‘Like People’ kicked into gear. The pit had opened. Those brave enough to get involved did so with utter excitement and enjoyment.
Conversational interludes were generally at a minimum, but we were asked where we were going to party afterwards. Many are happy to have DZ Deathrays next to them at the bar later. The pit gradually became wider as fan favourite ‘Gina Works At Hearts’ erupted. Even those on the outer absorbed that energy, avoiding getting fully involved, however.
No DZ Deathrays gig is complete without ‘Shred For Summer’, and both Simon and Lachlan screamed for as long as they could in the intro, getting the biggest cheer of the night. But it was not over. After ‘Demolition’, the boys said goodnight, but the crowd itched for more. “ONE MORE SONG! ONE MORE SONG!” The house lights went up; the chant fell. But within only a few seconds, the house lights dimmed, and DZ Deathrays were back on. They played one more – ‘Ocean Exploder’ from the album Black Rat. Maybe not a well-known track, but it left us with just enough.
My ears are ringing properly for the first time in a while. I have DZ, Molly Rocket and DARK DAZE to credit for that. Totally worth it. The power of the songs performed tonight from Easing Out Of Control should linger for a long time. Maybe we witnessed another new fan favourite. No sleep for some tonight, and I hope they partied well into next week.
Want more pics of the DZ Deathrays? Check out our full photo gallery here.
