Take It To The Streets - Death Of The High Street

By Daffs aka @TwoDaff

Death Of The High Street (DOTHS) are a 4-piece rock band hailing from the Midlands, UK. They burst onto the scene in 2021 when their debut single ‘Exit’ was released by Alan McGee’s label “It’s Creation Baby”. Following on from their debut success, other releases include ‘Synergy’ ‘Chancer’ ‘Not Fair’ and ‘Age of Bronze’. The band have pushed their sound forwards without ever compromising on their desire to create the music they love which often comments on difficult topics.

DOTHS catalogue of releases have seen them build a following across the UK with support and radio play coming from national shows such as Steve Lamacq’s BBC6Music show, Frank Skinner’s Absolute Radio show and the Mickey Bradley’s BBC Ulster Record Show, amongst many others. The band’s sound has also reached an audience in the USA with Seattle’s KEXP choosing multiple singles for their Song Of The Day features and also supporting the band with radio play.

A bloke’s night out on the lash

Their next release see’s the band move away from the raw anthemic vibes heard on previous tracks. ‘Take It To The Streets’ due out on 30th June, is a drunken slap around the face… A tale of a bloke’s night out on the lash, The confused, dizzying feeling after numerous pints, numerous shots, more pints and more shots. Is he arguing with someone or with himself, either way trouble isn’t far away, even the chips and curry sauce aren’t safe. Perpetrator or victim, it’s all blurred lines when alcohols concerned and it’s up to the listener to decide who’s at fault.

A groove that sets the scene

The opening bass line amidst a confusion of sound, has a groove that sets the scene for the conversation to begin, spoken apologies and mild threats as our hero digs himself deeper. All the while a funky guitar riff bubbles away underneath. Guitar’s spiral, jazzy yet edgy and add a complexion to the spoken vocal.

Guitar’s spiral, jazzy yet edgy

As the night progresses intensity builds to a crescendo in the chorus where the mood and tempo changes, more distortion with a swirl of confusion giving a grunge/punk edge that’s both catchy and anthemic. The delivery of the lyrics some are spoken, some are sung give it a natural feel, we have all been in that situation state and acted like that…well I have. It’s a true portrayal of a night out, the way its delivered and the instrumentation put you in that place, for me that’s appealing. You don’t listen you feel, the track does that.

A swirl of confusion giving a grunge/punk edge

It’s a track and a sound that cannot be pigeon holed, therefore it is unique. Yes, it has that punk edge but its noy all 3 chords and bit of shouting, far from it, there are many other elements at play, jazzy undertones, grungy distortion with a smattering of indie attitude with a plethora of melodic riffs, grooving bass lines and great vocals. It’s a Friday night commentary…any Friday night in any town...there’s always one but is he a victim or instigator…you decide!

A plethora of melodic riffs, grooving bass lines and great vocals

I think this is a great track, relatable, honest, edgy with a hint of humour. It should get people up; it has that groove. DOTHS push the boundaries, they do their own thing, creating a unique vibe that has to be applauded.

A Friday night commentary

DOTHS are due to play Belpher Music Festival (15th July on the railway stage) and Y Not Festival (Sat 29 July The Hog and Barrel stage). Don’t miss em.