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Drowned in Sound Event sponsored tours and events.

The Dopamine Theory live at the Barfly
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by Gen Williams
There's a whiff of promise about these four lads. It's hard to say what it is; it's not just the songs, or the performance, or the look... it's something else. They seem... ready.

Someone at EMI Music Publishing obviously thinks so as well, seeing as they saw fit to give the band 3 days worth of recording time, with pleasing results. It seems to have given them a confidence you don't see in that many young bands - not blind determination or nervy cockiness - this is focused self-possession. The Monarch is thus far half-empty, but The Dopamine Theory seem unperturbed, and content to show those in attendance exactly what they can do. Hardcore-tinged rock is the order of the day, their songs giving a cheerful nod to the likes of Hundred Reasons and Hell is for Heroes; the best trick up their sleeve is the fluid, frenetic, demo track "Behind The Door", marrying Soundgarden riffage with self-assured melody and a taut rhythm.

The songs aren't all there yet; a handful stand out but others could do with more work, as they entertain but don't linger in the mind afterwards. However there's certainly something special about this four-piece - undoubtedly one to watch over the coming months.

  • The Dopamine Theory 7 / 10
Words: Gen Williams