Since their 2022 debut The Great Regression, DITZ have done much of the same as they were doing at that time; aggressively touring over the course of four years wearing themselves down past the bone right through to the marrow.
Admirably so. In the gaps that have presented themselves during that time, whether it’s a couple of days downtime in a pub or a rare weekend at home, the quintet haven’t found it easy to squeeze in writing or recording time. This scarcity of time has culminated in Never Exhale: a follow-up record that is at times transcendent noise rock and, at others, half baked.
From cover to cover, The Great Regression is a welcoming guide to noise rock for those who aren’t yet scared enough of deafening reverb and fuzz pedals. The expansive ambition, however, held it back, pinning it down as an article of sheer loudness and not utilising that effectively. Never Exhale is eclectically paced, allowing itself to find a controllable rhythm instead of wildly panting. Longer tracks like ‘britney’ are an opportunity to connect with DITZ.
When they do open themselves up it’s an intimate moment that feels ethereal, ‘The Body as a Structure’, ‘Smells Like Something Died in Here’ and the aforementioned ‘britney’ all feel like liquid gold leaking in to your ears, it’s where DITZ are at their best. ‘God on a Speed Dial’ opens with a tight and wiry riff, it’s hypnotic as if enchanted or played on magic spider silk strings, its piercing direction juxtaposes against the tidal wave of echoing vocals and booming drums that shortly follow. An attempt to push your wig back with the pressure that they discharge pays off big; humorously large cheque big. But, between the incessant repetitive chorus’ of ‘Taxi Man’ and the tried and tested formula of ‘Space/Smile’, it feels too reminiscent of their debut — it feels safe.
In four years there’s been plenty of opportunity for DITZ to adopt more of a radical approach and willingness to not hide behind an often ambiguous message. Not everything needs to be on the nose and part of what makes them such an interesting band is C.A. Francis’ mystifying writing. Never Exhale is a progression from its predecessor The Great Regression, but one that only inches them slightly closer towards their full potential.
After the release of their debut, the prospect of a fully fledged DITZ sophomore album was intoxicating. DITZ have provided fans with enough to appease them whilst they wait for a third record, one that they’ve created the instance where they will excel at their best.
featured image: Never Exhale cover art
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