CHANCER

Those lovable Derby post-punks DOTHS are back with another outstanding musical offering and yes its another belter. First bursting onto the scene in 2020 with their debut single “Exit” which was released to critical acclaim on Alan Mcgee’s label at the time “Its creation Baby” and instantly received praise from the likes of BBC6 music legend Steve Lamacq and BBC Wales radio host Janice Long. This fantastic debut also made its way onto a long list of playlists ( as well as the video being premiered on the one and only Songbird HQ!)and was without a doubt one of my personal favourites of the year. Since then the band have gone from strength to strength releasing four more incredibly original singles including the massive “Synergy” which received equal praise from the likes of KEXP DJ John Richards, Frank Skinner on Absolute Radio and was also included in the recent XFM documentary Kick out the Jams, which I must add is a masterpiece and essential viewing for any music lover.

Recently signing to Jersey based record label Bubblebrain Records the DOTHS boys return with “CHANCER”.

The tale of a day in the life of a geezer, who’s a little bit woe, a little bit way. A fictional yet all too familiar character. Every street in every town has a chancer. The track starts off in true punk fashion with a three cord distorted ring out but quickly switches into a swagger like grove as frontman and wordsmith Scott Baxter begins to tell the tale of this dodgy character. What really stands out for me is the brilliantly idiosyncratic vocal style, an almost comical commentary from the perspective of someone watching his day unfold. The video to the track also gives us a fantastic view as it starts with our chancers car breaking down so he has to peddle his wares from a wheelie bin. Brilliantly created and really shows off the bands comical side. Its a must watch.

The track continues with its pounding “Dave Grohl” style drums supplied by Joe Hodges tightly accompanied with Ash Simpsons equally as pounding Bass. Funky in the verse and fuzzy for the chorus. Added to that is the sonically heavy driven guitar style of Andy Purves. Think Sleaford Mods meets Nirvana and you’ll get the idea. What makes this track all that more special is its layers. With the track almost splitting in two, the end section turns to the darker side of the characters troubled life. ‘CHANCER’ is an explosive, headbanging and yet somehow emotionally charged and insightful track. It leaps out of the starting gates and takes no prisoners as it zooms along at great pace with its buzzing, electrifying guitar riffs, pounding drums, snarling realism and insightful commentary. Lyrically the track shines a light on the sometimes-difficult reality facing individuals growing up in low-income areas with a lack of education and few job prospects, ultimately leading to a life of having to find ways to make ends meet.

Indeed the band have said of the track:

“‘CHANCER’ gives an insight into “a day in the life” of a Chancer, a Frank Gallagher meets Delboy character who’ll sell you a new TV just as soon as he’s lifted it from your living room. Ducking, diving and scheming his way through life. The second half of the track finds the Chancer alone, reflecting, thinking, about mistakes made and agonising over what could have been. CHANCER holds up a mirror to the parts of our society that are often ignored.”

Death Of The High Street are without a doubt a band to keep a close eye on. Their no-nonsense style and ability to tell it like it is makes them a truly intriguing band. An EP is surely on the cards soon with “Chancer” already getting plays on KEXP and Mark Bradley at BBC Radio Ulster its clear they are building the support and interest of a lot of influential names in the industry as well as having the full support from the everyday working class music lover, gig goer and chancer in the British isles. 

“CHANCER” is out now on all platforms and make sure you hit up the bands YouTube and check out the video. This band are a class act and one things for sure they do like a lively game of connect 4. Just watch the video and all will become clear.

Watch the video ‘CHANCER’ here now

Words by Jim Dolan