By Lesley Macdonald

Artwork for the 5 Songs EP by DITZThe Uber Rock Approved stampIf you like lo-fi on your hi-fi, garage-produced sounding sound that’s as raw as… ehm, the contents of a vegan lunchbox, DITZ may well be for you. These five post-punkers from Brighton take noise rock to a new level with their live shows known to be chaotic and unpredictable events. In other words, vivid experiences that you will always remember, whether you want to or not. Not ones to conform to the hardcore scene in sound or personality, they also speak to challenge common societal attitudes having addressed issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community such as bigotry and homophobia. 

The ‘5 Songs’ EP is the first physically available release from DITZ, available on 12” black or pink vinyl. Checking their Bandcamp site reveals that many of the media offers have already sold out. It’s a nudge to the ribs of those slow on the uptake that this band have been building in popularity (I mean who buys vinyl?)  since the release of their first EP, ‘EP1‘in 2016 and via the self-released five track offering ‘Earthworm’ in 2019.

‘5 Songs’ opens with a single, ‘Seeking Arrangement’. Cal Francis’ vocals drip with nonchalant punk attitude as distorted guitars back him up, the overall effect giving this one-and-a-half-minute pipsqueak more front than it should ever have. When it’s over I’m left wondering how it’s possible to create that level of impression in such a short time and I’m mildly impressed. So, it’s more than the name that makes me interested to hear ‘Gayboy’. It’s all about that punk rock bass which alongside drummer Sam’s input creates an incredible draw. The lyrics are uncomplicated and to the point so that the point is as clear as can be. Do you think it is easy for me being this way? Especially around fuckers like you.

Released in November last year ‘Total 90’ addresses everyday homophobia and inequality. The single release was illustrated by Panini Cheapskates, a duo who famously ‘draw’ football cards badly and the video featured a match at a football ground between the band (in rainbow kit) and members of FUR and Slaves who are acting out in the stereotypical ‘male’ way that society dictates footballers should. A warlike drum rhythm underlies a speaking vocal “Your eyes undress, the mouths to be fed” giving the track an ominous feel before it progresses through punk to a thrashed out crescendo and abrupt ending.

Marking a change of mood, newest single ‘Role Model’ uses throaty vocals and off chords to unsettle. There follows a wall of sound that hits you hard in the face. The lyrics are sparse but the feels are plenty. Meanwhile final track “Fuck The Pain Away” is an impressive cover of Canadian musician Peaches’ song. If you’ve heard the original you will wonder if it can be done justice, but DITZ rip it apart.

The content is deep, personal and full of sarcasm. If their message doesn’t resonate with you, their approach to punk probably will. Direct and unapologetic as they are, DITZ is not the typical punk band. You won’t find predictable power chords here. Instead there are screeching guitars, thrashed out beats and stop start rhythms. DITZ sound a little bit stoner, a bit grunge and a lot punk. Why should they be anything other than who they are? Those five songs are definitely worth a listen and DITZ are destined to be infamous, if not famous. I’ll leave you to decide which is better. The underground will come around. No question.

  • ‘5 Songs’ is out now. You can get your copy HERE.

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