Project Description

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DAMIEN
‘Wrong Age. Wrong Race. Wrong Gender.‘
Album Review

(18th May 2022)

Review by Melanie Griffiths

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Damien’s anticipated second album has arrived and the queer, non-binary artist has much to say. “Wrong Age, Wrong Race, Wrong Gender” is an exploration of the inequities and prejudices that society has placed on individuals depending on their age, race and gender. It’s a searing look at how this preferential treatment can cause pain and division in ourselves and within the community. Utilising his penchant for post-punk motifs and the Darkwave genre, “Wrong Age, Wrong Race, Wrong Gender” starts as an electrifying work of social activism that at its end turns inwards to face Damien’s own XXXX

2 Out Of 10

There is something irresistible with Damien’s opening track with its flair and twisted cheekiness on full display. The song is the most approachable if you are not familiar with Darkwave, with a catchy pop melody that keeps the song relatively light. “2 Out Of 10” is Damien’s critique on the unnecessary turmoil we put ourselves through in trying to mould our appearances to what we think is desirable to others. Featuring programmed drums, punchy synths and Damien’s unique vocals the track harks back to the old days of The Dandy Warhols and The Strokes. A total dance track that struts with all the deluded bravado of a person trying to conform in the hopes to be noticed. It’s the perfect introduction to what is to come.

Porn Star

In “Porn Star” Damien examines the pressures that society places on appearances and how social media has created a bizarre economy of worth dependent on the sexualised image you convey. The track is a formidable beast rooted in industrial metal that works at deconstructing the idea of having polished, curated moments of expression. Damien’s melding of the nu-wave elements along with his throaty vocals contrasts against the theme of the artificial persona we create about ourselves. Oozing with sensuality and cynicism Damien revels in his element.

Melbourne Afternoon

In Damien’s exploration of identity and persona, he doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of his mind. “Melbourne Afternoon” is a dark and industrial track that tells of Damien’s battle with depression and the suicidal thoughts that plagued him and the battle that raged within him to keep going. Damien’s layered vocals represent the duelling voices that reside in himself as they fight for dominance. “Melbourne Afternoon” is a song confessional in tone and confronting in its honesty.

Body

“Body” comes as a little surprise after the darker themes of the previous tracks. Body is a song that is melodic and almost comes off as romantic, as much as a darkwave song can be. Damien eases into the song as he traverses the lines of sex, intimacy and relationships. It’s a soothing circuit breaker in the flow of the album and shows another side of Damien that alludes to his desire of intimacy. Featuring acoustic guitars, a drum machine and synths that are reminiscent of early Depeche Mode, “Body” is Damien’s most accessible track and one that’ll find many fans.

Human

“Human” was the second single released from “Wrong Age, Wrong Race, Wrong Gender” at the end of last year and is a brooding song exploring ideas of identity, consciousness and humanity. With gritty industrial drums and Damien sings with gritted passion as he rages against the machine of apathy and intolerance, “Human” is the plea for society to show a little more kindness and humanity to one another. It’s the track which may best sum up what the point of this album has been about for Damien which is the return back to acceptance and compassion for each other.

Love Myself

Damien takes a unique perspective on what lockdowns presented which was an opportunity to actually reconnect with ourselves and establish a more loving and nurturing relationship with ourselves away from others. “Love Myself” featured as the first single released from WAWRWG and is a slowed down jam that allows Damien to chant like a mantra “I love myself, I love myself” throughout the song. At its core, “Love Myself” is about feeling comfortable in your skin rather than relying on another person and their attention.

Dreamer

The last track, “Dreamer” feels like the curtain is being pulled back on the album. It’s a stripped-back song featuring only vocals that are eerie and ghostlike over a distorted guitar. After an album of industrial, moody, Darkwave rock, “Dreamer” may be Damien’s true voice coming through. Featuring more vulnerability and doubt, the previous tracks were all about self-discovery but “Dreamer” seems like despite those revelations Damien still struggles with his ever-present insecurities.

Wrong Age, Wrong Race, Wrong Gender is Damien at his rawest and most empathetic. He’s an artist still trying to figure it all out and despite the heavy themes ultimately these songs are entrenched with a quiet optimism. Damien’s music is a brash exploration of self that demands a second listen to unravel all the elements that make for one of Australia’s most intriguing artists.

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Follow DAMIEN.
Website – Facebook – Instagram – Spotify

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Recent Press Release (below) HERE

DAMIEN
Prepares for the
dark months ahead with
‘MELBOURNE AFTERNOON’

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About DAMIEN

Ipswich’s professed prophet of prose, alt-electro-rock musician DAMIEN is a queer, non-binary artist who powerfully pushes against mainstream conventions with poignant, post-punk political commentaries and calls for social activism.  

Emerging in early 2020, DAMIEN’s music blends electro rock with elements of both pop and industrial, and pairs this with lyrical content that has solidified him as an artist hell bent on causing a ruckus that disrupts the conventions of current day consumerism.

In 2021 DAMIEN released the full length album, ‘Girl’, which saw was praised for reshaping alternative electronica by Happy Mag. 

DAMIEN has performed to sell-out crowds, and in May 2021 launched his album in front of a near capacity crowd at the iconic Lefty’s Music Hall in Brisbane, earning critical acclaim for his energy and crowd engagement during his performance.

DAMIEN has received national airplay and has frequently featured in local, national and international publications. His ‘Your Woman’ music video has been heavily praised for its support of transgender people and awareness of issues faced by the transgender community.

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AMNPLIFY – DB

Melanie Griffiths

Melanie Griffiths is a well known and experienced music writer and reviewer based in Perth, Western Australia. An avid supporter of live music and the ongoing enrichment of a vibrant Perth scene, Mel also lends her talents to freelance writing for other publications and clients. Her fate was sealed when as an eight year old she popped her Mum’s cassette of Beatles For Sale into her car stereo and ever since music has fuelled her passions. Mel’s also available for other projects and everything else in between via www.melaniedgriffiths.com.