Following the release of their debut album, Death of the Party, Digsby are becoming immediately recognisable in Bristol’s ever-evolving indie music scene. Their sound, which blends the quintessential sound of Laurel Canyon in the sixties with undeniably modern edges, has only helped to ensure that Digsby are a band to watch.
Death of the Party is an incredible addition to an already strong discography. As their first, full-length album (which was released on the 27th of February of this year), it perfectly encapsulates Digsby as a band, with tracks that wouldn’t feel out of place on one of The Beatles’ albums, killer guitar riffs, and a touch of old-school Americana.
Despite its fantastic execution, the band say it didn’t come together easily. In the words of Joe Webb, the primary lyricist for the band, they “did a bit, then left it for a while, then came back to it”. Parts were recorded in studios, and parts were recorded in their drummer, Harry’s, spare room – and their patchwork approach seems to have only added to the endearing, authentic vibe of the album.
The album, as a result, took almost two years to be completed, despite the actual recording only taking “a week or two in total”. And, here, the band would like to shout out Lewis Bradshaw for not only doing a brilliant job of mixing, but for being “very patient” with them over minor tweaks – thanks, Lewis!
One of the absolute highlights from the album is the third track, Enola. According to Joe, it centres on the fictitious Enola, who, in the song, is one of the last few people at a party; she’s listening to and having conversations with people about heavy topics, such as the need and (of course) desire to grow up and to make changes in their lives. It’s undeniably resonant, and the mix of its nostalgia-tinged and modern sounds make it a shockingly emotional and raw addition to the album.
(Good Afternoon) Mr Worm, the fifth track, is equally brilliant, and has a fantastic guitar sound. The band say that sound is inspired, somewhat, by legendary guitarists such as George Harrison and Joey Santiago – but they don’t really influence their playing because they’re “not good enough at what they do”. Perhaps they’re just being modest!
It’s not just Harrison and Santiago that Digsby are inspired by, though – the band cited various different influences on their sound. Ranging from Blink-182 to Etta James to David Bowie to Bleachers. The “eclectic mix” has evidently helped to shape the band’s unique sound, and the wide range of tastes has certainly ensured that Death of the Party never repeats itself.
The last track on the album, Old Fashioned Love, is unanimously the band’s favourite from the album. And for good reason – it was recently selected to be BBC Introducing in the West’s track of the week. Which, of course, the band were “delighted” about. It’s an extremely strong close to the album, with some fantastic vocal harmonies and a lovely sound.
If you’re looking for an up-and-coming band to sink your teeth into, Digsby are a brilliant choice. And they’re about to play the Hen and Chicken in Bristol, to give Death of the Party a deserved debut – they’re definitely a band to check out (if you haven’t already)!
//Words: Rosie Smith//