Ali & The DTs’ debut opens with a cacophony of sound: droning guitars, off-tune pianos and a rusty harp. Out of the aural chaos comes the booming, preacher-like delivery of singer Ali De Mora. It’s an epic opening worthy of the album that follows, which explores themes of pain, loneliness, loss and destruction.
Things crank up a gear with a menacing little number, ‘Pushing Up The Daisies’ – reminiscent of The Doors, both vocally and musically. The DTs further illustrate their musical prowess on a laid-back instrumental entitled ‘Espirit de Corps’, which is soft respite between the darker depths of the record. ‘Voodoo Hoodoo’ is a crunching tune, which captures the rawer side of De Mora’s extraordinary voice, working perfectly off the somewhat distorted instruments.
There are a few forgettable tracks along the way. Overall, however, the project succeeds due to the sheer quality of the singing and playing. While primarily a blues record, First Layer Of Civilisation seems to draw influences from far and wide. De Mora, whose voice is part Jim Morrison, part Nick Cave and part Blind Willie Johnson, is the star – but he’s backed by a super-tight band. Ali be praised: we have a new contender in our midst.
Rowan Stokes
Key track: ‘Get The Devil Out Of Your Head’