ALBUM REVIEW: Amazing Things – Don Broco

If you want a band who will always keep you guessing, DON BROCO are a strong shout. From having “David Beckham” hack their Instagram account, to their lead singer Rob Damiani suddenly becoming a professional boxer, the British four-piece have done a lot to get their fans excited in the run up to their new album Amazing Things.

This dynamic release opens up with the punchy Gumshield. In true DON BROCO joker fashion, the band managed to invent a whole boxing match which many of their fan base believed was real, only to turn on the live stream and be faced with the new music video for this track. Whilst some were disappointed at not being able to see Damiani throw a knockout, the song itself is a well offered alternative. It begins with a memorable tune which quickly transitions into a rap style pre-chorus. This style of vocals seems to be more prevalent on this album compared to previous releases from the band, and it’s great to see a different side to them. That said, you can always count on the band to deliver a super catchy chorus, in which drummer/vocalist Matt Donnelly displays his skill set. We’re also gifted some aggressive shouted vocals which are sure to hype up anyone who listens and possibly make this the perfect song to prepare you for any boxing matches you may find yourself in in the future.

While the music videos for the band’s previous Top 5 album, Technology, centred on a cowboy character, for this release they seem to have been replaced with a David Beckham look alike, who was aptly introduced in the first single, Manchester Super Reds No.1 Fan. The band has spoken previously about how they found influence in the BEASTIE BOYS for the rap elements of this album, and this song in particular is no exception. Treating us with some low tuned guitars from Si Delaney, the song follows suit in supplying memorable hooks and well timed drops – what’s not to love?

Following this is Swimwear Season, which introduces some more electronic pop elements in a GORILLAZ-esque intro from Donnelly. When listening to this track, many may automatically imagine how immense this will sound in a live setting, with the calmer elements of the song running into a hard hitting hook which is sure to result in a mosh pit or two. With anthems like these, DON BROCO are well on their way to becoming arena regulars.

Another anthemic emotional track, One True Prince, reaches straight for the feels, reassuring its listeners that in the long run the things we think are important now really aren’t. Carrying this strong message with lyrics like “just stardust blowing in the wind”, the band imply we are small and insignificant in the grand scheme of things, and so we should get the most out of life while we can without worrying so much. Stating its presence with a belter of a bass line from Tom Doyle, this tear jerker has a big DEFTONES influence, with the band saying they wanted to introduce some of their fans to styles they may not have been around when growing up. Hopefully this track will become a regular on their sets, as many fans may be able to find comfort in the message they’re promoting.

Again with the band’s playful nature, Bruce Willis opens with a misleading piano intro before we’re thrown into some real heaviness. With a gritty riff paired with cool sound and voice distortion, listeners may be excited for a potential rival for previous wall of death inducing song Pretty from Technology. The fun “yippee ki yay” reference in the chorus is sure to please many film buffs as well as dedicated fans who are sure to love this track.

The last song on the album, Easter Sunday is a more melodic tune, inducing questions about one’s own beliefs. Tracks like this where the lyrics make the listener think are always great to hear, as they add another level of depth to the already impactful nature of the song. With an atmospheric tone, this new album has produced yet another arena anthem which is sure to have an immense presence in a live setting. Overall, Amazing Things is sure to be another massively well received album for DON BROCO. They have managed to outdo themselves yet again, resulting in a faultless album that is sure to be a fan favourite.

Rating: 10/10

Amazing Things is set for release on October 22nd via SharpTone Records.

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