With the release of DZ Deathrays’ highly anticipated sophomore LP Black Rat quickly approaching (out May 2 through I OH YOU) the Brisbane trash/pop duo recently signed to highly respected UK label Infectious Music. The recent signing means the boys are about to hop on a plane to the UK where they’ll be spending the next three weeks touring with Blood Red Shoes before returning home for their Black Rat national tour.

After touring for the past two years with acts like Foo Fighters, Crystal Castles, Sleigh Bells and at festivals such as Reading & Leeds and The Great Escape, Black Rat was recorded over the course of 6 weeks, which took in 16-hour days at The Grove studio in Australia with producer Burke Reid (Seekae, The Drones, The Mess Hall). It demonstrates a truly amazing progression, whilst remaining true to their signature self, from their ARIA award-winning debut Bloodstreams.

In celebration of the upcoming album release, DZ drummer Simon Ridley gave us a run down on the 7 albums that changed his life.

Offspring – Smash (1994, Epitaph)


“90s punk rock, what’s not to like about it? I first discovered this album when I was in grade 4 or 5? It was the first album I ever had, it was also the first album with swearing on it I heard. When I heard ‘Bad Habit’ for the first time my head nearly exploded when he swore. Thinking about this album makes me wonder what I did with my Walkman that I used to listen to it on”

Pink Floyd – Dark Side Of The Moon (1973, EMI)


“I love the level of experimental parts on this album and [guitarist] David Gilmour’s ability to play with so much feeling. I discovered this record while in high school.

“The best way to listen to this record is to put it on, close your eyes and sink away. The myth that this syncs to Wizard Of Oz is bullshit, the only way it works is on drugs, but every album syncs to any movie if you’re on drugs…”

The Bronx – I (2003, Ferret Records)


“Every song on this album is fucking rad! I discovered this when I was 18. I use this as a psych-up album for nights when I’m too tired but need to party. Put it on and by the end I’m sweaty, 6 beers deep and ready to rolllllllllll.”

Portishead – Dummy (1994, Go! Beat)


“Beth Gibbons’ voice is one of a kind. I discovered Dummy just after I finished high school. Best time to listen to this record must be at night and with scotch on the rocks in a dark room.”

Air – Moon Safari (1998, Virgin)


“This is the ultimate relaxation music. I only discovered this record like four or five years ago unfortunately. I used to come home from work every day, play this album, kick off my shoes and melt into the couch. I now listen to it at least once a week.”

Beck – Sea Change (2002, Geffen Records)


“I love everything Beck does, but after hearing Midnight Vultures I didn’t realise he was capable of such beautifully simple songs. I listen to this every now and then when I start to get exhausted from being away for so long.”

Megadeth – Rust In Peace (1990, Capitol)


“Metal how it should be! I discovered this record while in high school but it was only until 2 years ago I began getting obsessed with Megadeth. We had a few weeks off between tours and I bought an Xbox with Battlefield 3 and wasted days just listen to it on repeat. This album also features the funnest guitar riffs to learn to play.”

DZ Deathrays ‘Black Rat’ Album Tour

Thu 8 May – Elsewhere | Gold Coast, QLD (18+)
Fri 9 May – The Zoo | Brisbane, QLD (18+)
Sat 10 May – Spotted Cow | Toowoomba, QLD (18+)
Thu 15 May – Karova Lounge | Ballarat, VIC (18+)
Fri 16 May – Corner Hotel | Melbourne, VIC (18+)
Sat 17 May – Jive | Adelaide, SA (18+)
Thu 22 May – Prince of Wales | Bunbury, WA (18+)
Fri 23 May – The Indi Bar | Scarborough, WA (18+)
Sat 24 May – Amplifier | Perth, WA (18+)
Sun 25 May – Newport | Fremantle, WA (18+)
Thu 29 May – Transit Bar | Canberra, ACT (18+)
Fri 30 May – Rad | Wollongong, NSW (18+)
Sat 31 May – Oxford Art Factory | Sydney, NSW (18+)

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