Gig: DIIV @ Engine Rooms, Southampton
DIIV by Schuyler Aldridge
10 December marked the 17th show of New York-based DIIV's latest tour. Known for their unique, intoxicating fusion of dream pop and indie rock, and supported by the Chicago-based duo Tim Kinsella & Jenny Pulse, the night at Engine Rooms in Southampton was set to be a memorable experience packed with new and immersive soundscapes.
Engine Rooms, situated just a 15-minute walk from Southampton's city centre and train station, provided a balance of capacity and intimacy. Arriving slightly before the opening act, Tim Kinsella & Jenny Pulse, I had a chance to get comfortable and check out the merch before the show. With a capacity of up to 800 people, the venue felt spacious yet welcoming. Toward the back of the venue was a more relaxed space with bench tables and a bar for fans, offering the option to enjoy the show while unwinding with a drink.
Tim Kinsella & Jenny Pulse
Tim Kinsella & Jenny Pulse kicked things off on schedule, diving immediately into their set. Tim skilfully layered samples and complemented them with guitar melodies on top, while Jenny brought a wide array of sounds on keys. The result was impressive, to say the least, far greater than I was anticipating from a two-person act. To close their set, they decided to treat the crowd to a playful and interactive moment - a crowd-involved cover of David Bowie & Queen's Under Pressure. Jenny stepped into the pit and up to the barrier, handing the mic to willing fans to sing along. This light-hearted moment brought the spotlight back to the stage and left the audience heavy with anticipation for DIIV.
DIIV
As the lights dimmed once again, the crowd erupted with cheers as DIIV made their entrance to a nearly full room. Having seen DIIV open for Fontaines D.C. back in November, I already knew I was in for a stunning performance… and I was right. Opening with In Amber, the notable first track from their 2024 album Frog In Boiling Water, they wasted no time in setting the tone and vibe. The venue reverberated with their signature indie-dreamy sound, driven by Andrew Bailey and Colin Caulfield's guitars, complemented by the dreamy vocals and guitar from Zachary Cole Smith, and united by the drumming of Ben Newman.
For me, the highlight of the night was the song I was most excited for - Taker, a track where the live rendition heavily outdoes the studio counterpart. The full force of all the guitars coming together with the hauntingly heavy main riff had the energy in the room at its peak. The crowd was exhilarated and excitedly exhausted. If you're considering listening to DIIV, be sure to check out Taker.
