Review: DIIV

A few weeks ago, hundreds of young hip persons showed up at Monarch to see DIIV (pronounced dive) play. Many had to be turned away. Even two nights at this cozy venue could not meet demand. There was a buzz when we arrived at Kottbusser Tor and the stairs to Monarch were full or people hoping to get their hands on potential reserved spaces that would not be redeemed. Most of these people had to go home disappointed. Monarch was packed, two nights in a row, and we were lucky to be the ones inside and not outside. What a craze!

Now where does this hype stem from? Sure, the band is good. Sure, the singer looks cute. Sure, it's a Beach Fossils side-project. Sure, the record is on Captured Tracks and has been receiving rave reviews. But did this warrant the frenzy that was surrounding this gig? Probably not, and yet, it felt good to know young people could get this excited about a band playing in town, about a gig at a bar. There is something profoundly reassuring about this.

Before the gig even started I overheard a conversation in which three young lads were bragging about drunkeness in various places and to various degrees. When the band played, little girls in front row were taking close-ups of singer Z. Cole Smith. I was suddenly transported back to my high school days - the audience was that young and easy to impress.

Monday's DIIV show is NOT sold out

The folks at Puschen agency are the best! Not that we needed any proof, but they've gone ahead and booked a second night of DIIV at Monarch tomorrow, Monday 27 Aug, doors 9 pm. So if you were unlucky and didn't get a ticket for Tuesday, now is your chance to see this hyped band in the cozy setting of Monarch. Make sure to reserve a ticket at diiv@puschen.net, just to be sure. More information can be found on the facebook event page.

See you tomorrow!