EP Review: Dura Mater - ‘Arable Ground’

A big band in terms of number of members, soon to be a big band in terms of audience size

After a recent headline show at Jam Cafe, it seems that many more people in Nottingham are becoming familiar with eight-piece post-punk band Dura Mater.

I am pleased to announce, though, that I was ahead of the curve on this one. Having discovered the band while I was a fellow student at the University of Nottingham, I have considered them a hidden gem of the city’s music scene for a while now.

Alas, they are no longer hidden. But aside from my own selfish woes, of course, this is a brilliant thing. Because Dura Mater deserve to be packing out venues like Jam Cafe - and, to be honest, venues much bigger, too.

Their debut EP ‘Arable Ground’ proves that statement to be true. Consisting of four tracks - including previously released singles ‘Umbrella Tree’ and ‘Red Holiday’, as well as an acoustic live recording of ‘She Took The Pig’ - this is an EP where every moment serves its purpose.

With such a large band, crafting such tightly-knit, purposeful tracks is an impressive achievement. The instruments are balanced perfectly with one another, as each member slots perfectly into their role, so that everyone can shine at once. For some, the process would become crowded and competitive. For Dura Mater, it just works.

This is the sound of a band who are driven and complete, and it’s a pleasure to see them refining their sound and making their mark on their first project. But this is only the start; not only will their discography no doubt grow over time, if they continue to go in the direction they are doing, their listener base is guaranteed to grow, too.

‘Arable Ground’ is out today on all streaming services.

By Gemma Cockrell