DMA's ★★★½
The Forum, June 8

DMA’s – a three-piece rock band from Sydney – are often compared to Britpop legends Oasis. Sure, there are some similarities (they make music in the same genre, for example), but to say DMA’s are a carbon copy of the Gallagher brothers and co, as many do, is a bit too simplistic.

Take lead singer Tommy O’Dell’s voice. It still seems remarkable that such an unassuming-looking guy possesses such a delicate and comforting vocal gift. In his oversized shirts, caps and sneakers – that might be bought from stores exclusively stocking Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and Nautica seconds – you’re forced to double take when matching up the sound he makes with what you expect, going on his exterior. Quite simply, he looks like a kid you might see spray painting a train.

But that voice is in sparkling form on Friday night at The Forum at the first of two sold-out Melbourne shows, part their national tour to promote their second album, For Now.

It reaches its full flight in the fifth song of the set, In The Air, and brings on a collective melting of shoulders and dissipating of tension in each person. It’s a beautiful, therapeutic sing-along.