WA’s very own The Deenys have just dropped their debut EP Alford Way. Exploring a wide variety of themes – from young love, having fun & being carefree, to mental health struggles, disillusionment & escapism – Alford Way expertly balances light and shade to create a record that’s got a whole lot of heart. Named for the street on which the band first formed and began creating music, this collection of songs is a true testament to The Deenys’ skills, both sonically and lyrically.
To celebrate the release of Alford Way, The Deenys will be playing a handful of shows across Perth, with support from Sonic Haze, Hey so Hungry, Star Arcana, Teenage Vertigo, Retromode, Centre, and Jordan Allen (UK).
Friday 15th December Indian Ocean Hotel Scarborough
w/ Sonic Haze, Hey so Hungry, Star Arcana
Saturday 16th December (All Ages) The Y HQ Leederville
w/ Teenage Vertigo, Retromode, Hey so Hungry
Friday 12th January Mojos Bar Fremantle
w/ Centre, Sonic Haze, Star Arcana
Saturday 20th January LOOP Joondalup
w/ Star Arcana, Jordan Allen (UK), King Blue
“This EP is a mix of tunes we already have in our set and songs that we have either never played live before or only played once or twice. Being our debut EP we wanted to showcase how diverse our music can be.” The Deenys
These UK and Irish expats have already been making quite the waves in the indie rock scene, with the EP’s lead single ‘Eyes Wide Shut’ receiving airplay on triple j, as well as having premiered on triple j Unearthed. One of their earlier tracks, ‘Life Goes On’, aired on ABC’s RAGE, and the band has shared stages with artists like RIDE, Old Mervs, and DICE.
Recorded across Sumo Sound Studios and Conor Lawson’s studio in Perth, Alford Way boasts production and mixing credits from Dylan Adams (DMA’s, Skegss, The Moving Stills) as well as being mastered by RIDE’s Mark Gardener.
“We all wanted to record this EP with Dylan Adams (DMA’s, Skegss, The Moving Stills). His way of thinking in the studio and production style complements our music so well. And once again, he absolutely aced it. We got Mark Gardner from RIDE to master the tracks for us. When we supported them at Freo Social, we got chatting with them all and watched the World Cup over a few beers. Mark gave us his email and said if we were ever in the UK to get in touch. He said he would be keen to record with us or master our tracks – who wouldn’t take him up on that offer?” The Deenys
The EP’s title track and opener, ‘Alford Way’, speaks to the sunnier side of the project; revelling in the joys of youth, spending time and creating memories with friends and loved ones.
“Alford Way was written about a house that Drewe used to rent on a street called Alford Way. It’s where The Deenys first formed and started writing music together. The song itself is about the parties, the kick-ons and general chaotic fun that we and our friends had in that house. Considering it’s about having a good time with your pals, it felt fitting to have this an energetic number, to perfectly encapsulate that time in our lives.” The Deenys
In contrast, other tracks like lead single ‘Eyes Wide Shut’ and closing track ‘Vision Of Heaven’ highlight The Deenys’ ability to show great personal and emotional depth in their music, delving into themes of social and political hardship, as well as personal struggles with mental health.
“‘Eyes Wide Shut’ touches on the idea that we want to feel more in control, but right in front of our eyes we’re being lied to, deceived and cheated by politicians, big business and people in power. It’s about those moments where you feel beaten down, sh*t on, and you want to fight back. ‘Vision of Heaven’ is a personal song that our singer Drewe wrote about his struggles with depression and anxiety and the ongoing battle people face with mental health, as well as that feeling of feeling lost. At the end of the tunnel your loved ones, memories and favourite, sentimental places are the things you cherish the most.” The Deenys