There's something quaint about DZ Deathrays. I mean, the fact that the Australian band is making music like this in 2021 is almost admirable. There's a lot to recommend about Positive Rising: Part 2, the group's new record, out today via Alcopop! Records, but none of the pleasures here are subtle ones.
"Run the Red" and "Kerosene" are pummeling rockers, the kinds of things we heard from acts like Ash and Silverchair at one time. And, luckily, most of Positive Rising: Part 2 is just like these two cuts. Nothing here really works up a mood beyond a determination to rock out, with the three members of the band seemingly intent on playing as loudly as possible. For a few seconds, a listener might recall an Australian band like The Scientists but DZ Deathrays are not as interested in garage rock as they are in AOR. "Fired Up", "Riff City", and "Make Yourself Mad", for example, sound exactly as you imagine they would given those titles and this band. And there are frankly no real surprises on this record. However, rather than hold that against them, I see that as a strength here, and proof that some bands are intent on refining how they produce rock-and-roll in 2021. I know it's not 1999 anymore, but sometimes it's fun to pretend it is and crank up the volume a bit.
Positive Rising: Part 2 is out today via Alcopop! Records.
More about DZ Deathrays via the official website.