Meanjin/Brisbane-based band DIAL, comprising Elijah, Matt, Bobby, and Taylor, along with former member Hugh who contributed to the debut album, has made a compelling entrance into the world with their self-titled EP. Bonding over a shared love for bands like The Verve, The Jesus and Mary Chain, and The Replacements, DIAL’s influences are discernible throughout the six tracks. Their name, inspired by The Replacements’ song ‘Left of The Dial’, hints at the band’s reverence for classic alt-rock, and you can certainly catch it from a mile away.
The EP kicks off with ‘All is Known‘, a gut-punching single with a hook that immediately has you wrapped around its finger. It then smoothly transitions into ‘Bedlam‘, a similarly powerful single packed with driving distortion. These opening tracks set a high bar with DIAL’s ability to blend intensity with melody—exciting, grungey, and with an aptitude for rock ‘n’ roll.
‘Sometimes Soon‘ follows, offering a thoughtful nod to our 60s rock idols. The track feels nostalgic and raw. It’s a refreshing change of pace that highlights a different side of DIAL, demonstrating their versatility and depth.
‘Pink and Blue‘ slows things down, with Elijah’s naturally visceral vocals taking centre stage. His tone guides you through a landscape of groovy green pastures before seamlessly melding into ‘Interlude‘, a brief yet magical moment that underscores the thoughtful cohesiveness of the album. The EP closes with ‘Ego‘, bringing listeners back to the depths of classic rock with shoegaze tendencies. It’s a powerful end to a masterful introduction, leaving you eager for more from this promising band.
The collaborative nature of the EP’s creation is clear, with the band working closely with Zane Nichols and Nick Ashby on their first three singles (‘Pink and Blue’, ‘Ego’, and ‘Sometimes Soon’) and live sound engineer Amaya Dedes (‘All is Known’ and ‘Bedlam’). Jade Tyre of Relay Tapes expertly mastered the EP. Except for ‘Pink and Blue’, all tracks were originally recorded live, adding an exciting and authentic feel to the album. The EP’s artwork, painted by Matt’s dad when he was 18, also adds a personal touch that complements the music’s nostalgic vibes.
The debut EP begs to be appreciated from start to finish, especially by fans of gritty shoegaze and beyond. Every lyric is imbued with an attitude of angst, carried with a hint of psychedelic charm and classic rock intuition.
Fresh off their tour with The Angels and MI-SEX, DIAL reflected on the incredible experience. “We’ve played some of the best shows of our lives, especially in Adelaide. It was a great room, with a great crowd, and it was loud as hell,” says the band. “It’s been amazing to play in cities and venues we never thought we’d have the opportunity to. Both bands have been incredibly accommodating. It’s been incredibly inspiring”. DIAL has excitedly announced their unofficial BIGSOUND Showcase at Black Bear Lodge on Friday, September 6th, with Leichhardt and Alison Road.
In sum, DIAL’s debut EP is a masterful introduction that not only pays homage to their influences but also carves out a distinct sound that is uniquely theirs. This is a band to watch, as their talent and collaborative spirit promise even greater things to come.
