Get Acquainted with... The DSM IV 7.3.25

'Who are The DSM IV?!' We hear you cry.

Wonder no more as The DSM IV is the exciting Liverpool-based vision of Guy McKnight, former leader of the infamous Brighton-born psychobilly gothrods The Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster. The band is rounded out by Jade Ormesher on guitar and synth/bullish beat distributor Pav Cummins and when all three components are collected together, a force of fiery audio majesty is unfurled.
Blending melancholic alternative, diverse electronica, twisted death rock and elite performance artistry with a hypnotic vocal delivery, The DSM IV present an inimitable fusion alongside an eclectic live show which is blisteringly unique and incredibly lauded. Such is their On The Road reputation, the band previously secured high profile support slots with The Libertines and Dream Wife further elevating their not to be missed stage status.



Studio-wise, debut album, 'New Age Paranoia', was released via Liverpool's 9x9 Records, the sister label to the city centre's beloved independent record store 81 Renshaw, in Summer 2023 to an exceptional reception.

Continuing this wave of critical kudos, a new EP, 'Negative Utopia', dropped this past January with the trio undertaking the nationwide 'Family Jewels' tour in support of the opus. This trek included stops in Nottingham and Todmorden aside London's legendary Shacklewell Arms and Liverpool's Rough Trade live room with every venue left shaken and bedraggled.

'Negative Utopia' is essentially a prequel to the debut release featuring early unheard demos and new remixes of steller fan favourite classics. Spanning six tracks and featuring the excellent centrepiece 'Racist Man', the EP highlights the group's boundless ability of painting vividly elastic imagery steeped in global realism via incendiary noise.

For an insight into The DSM aesthetic, check out the 'White Wolf' music video directed by the absurdly talented PARIS TOXTETH: THE DSM IV ~ WHITE WOLF

Grab 'Negative Utopia' (and 'New Age Paranoia') at 9x9records.co.uk or instore at 81 Renshaw and get acquainted with The DSM IV.

Upcoming live dates;

21/3/25 - The Cumberland Arms, Newcastle
3/4/25 - Windmill, Brixton
26/4/25 - Future Yard, Birkenhead

Words by Marty