I first witnessed Die! Die! Die! in the live setting earlier in the year at some shindig to launch an online streaming service. It’s strange that is was my maiden encounter with the group, as I’m a pretty big fan and they tour a shitload. But the setting was probably the least becoming for the Kiwi trio. As is the case with these industry bashes, the crowd tend to focus on talking shop (by that, I mean “drink the bar tab dry”) rather than paying attention to what’s happening on stage. Tonight at Ding Dong, Die! Die! Die! more than made up for it with a certified fuckin’ corker of a set.
Local outfit Damn Terran methodically tore the bandroom a new arsehole. Balancing moments of sheer punk brilliance with massive desert rock mastery, the power trio knew when to scream, and more importantly, knew when to shut up and jam. A devastatingly efficient triptych of majestic rock, there’s no reason why Damn Terran can’t elevate into the rank of our Next Big Thing.
Burning through a display of tracks from latest LP Harmony, as well as a ridiculously stellar selection from the back catalogue, Die! Die! Die! made Ding Dong, and its crowd, their plaything. Frontman Andrew Wilson spent most of his time amongst the throng of punters, whipping up a frenzied display of controlled chaos. My god, it was loud.
These Dunedinites pulled off a triumphant display of why they’re one of the few to cauterise the effects of tall poppy syndrome that often fells their compatriots.
BY LACHLAN KANONIUK
LOVED: Finally catching Die! Die! Die! in an appropriate setting.
HATED: Incorrectly assuming that each of my jackets contains a pair of earplugs.
DRANK: A longneck from the Exxy with dumplings beforehand.
