It has been eight years since I’ve seen Death From Above 1979! And I was supposed to see them last year but COVID had other plans for me, unfortunately.
Though I had heard this band’s name over the years, back in 2016 was the first time I had ever heard them. And I was so impressed with this two-piece! Similar to Royal Blood, though at it much longer, they are comprised of a bassist and a drummer, though in this instance the drummer is the lead singer. So cool! They too have a full sound with just two instruments. I couldn’t get over them. But, years pass, and pandemics happen, and then COVID strikes and suddenly it’s eight years later when I’m finally seeing them again. Worth the wait!
They played at the awesome venue in Pittsburgh, Mr. Smalls Theatre, and while the crowd was scarily sparse for opener, HXLT, it really filled in by the time they hit the stage. And that crowd was really into it! A group of ten guys didn’t stop variations of a mosh pit for the entire show! They really looked like they were having fun, though so did the rest of the crowd. I, too was really enjoying the show, though from the safety of the balcony, where I could eat delicious food and see over people’s heads.
They played a really great mix of songs from all of their albums, but I was most especially excited to hear “White is Red.” Alternatively, I was sad I did not get to experience “Government Trash” again live. That’s the song that really stuck with me after seeing them for the first time. Of course, “Freeze Me” was a really big crowd pleaser, along with “Romantic Rights.” Personally, “Trainwreck 1979” and “The Physical World” always give me goosebumps in a good way, so hearing those live was pretty incredible. The final song of the night, “Pull Out,” was apparently played at record speed and also with the help of opener, HXLT. I as down on the floor for that one and it was quite fun!
All in all, I was really happy I finally got to make it to another Death From Above 1979 show. I certainly hope I don’t have to wait as long to see them again, and if I’m really lucky, maybe they will be at some festivals next year! I’ll always be keeping my fingers crossed for new music, too.