New York rockers DIIV are an interesting proposition. Having started life as the solo project of Zachary Cole Smith, the full five-piece band are currently in the UK touring their eagerly anticipated sophomore album 'Is the Is Are'.
The hilarity that launched this show was an incredible start to the evening. With the band arriving on stage ten minutes late due to technical issues (the venue team couldn't work out how to focus the projector), the problem was still not sorted as the dry-witted frontman continually repeated "turn the front knob of the projector to focus it". With each repeated comment, frustration turned to bewilderment as the chuckle brothers scrambled around the balcony.
Gorilla is a belting venue though, housed in an old railway arch opposite the Ritz and full of character. Having seen numerous bands here over the past couple of years, I'd say without doubt the best addition to the gig scene in Manchester and hopefully one to stay.
The band launched into the set with '(Druun Pt. II)' alongside the title track from their newly released second album. However recent single 'Under The Sun' (humorously introduced as 'turn the front knob of the projector to focus it)' lit the fire for an hour of foot-stomping jangle.
Guitarist Andrew Bailey romped his way through the set, rousing the crowd at every given opportunity, whilst frontman Cole Smith crooned and swayed throughout. He's clearly an interesting chap and whilst keeping chat to a minimum, has quite a stage presence. Bassist Devin Perez did his best to cover up the fact that he was obviously enjoying himself on the inside by holding a respectably stern face for the whole duration.
At 16 seconds long, '(f**k)' defined immediacy and got one of the loudest cheers of the night. In contrast, a couple of the songs did drag and when that happens, the lack of charisma from the frontman does take its toll. What he lacks in charisma though he makes up for in style, showcased by some wildly baggy patterned pants.
First album standout 'Doused' triumphantly ended the main set as crowd surfers clambered to get a piece of the idolised frontman. Having not witnessed the band live before, I was surprised to see the adoration and passion of the crowd for the band. There aren't many heroes about these days for alternative kids, so it's refreshing to see a lot of love being shown.
From what I've read about DIIV in the past, I was fully expecting style over substance from this performance. Not the case. Better live than on record and fully deserving of some primetime festival slots over the summer. Hopefully the wait for a third album won't be as long as the last.
FUTURE GIGS
sorry, we currently have no gigs listed for this act.