Disclaimer: This interview included free tickets to a paid event.
If you haven’t been to a punk show allow me to give you two baseline expectations; it’s going to be loud and it’s going to be lively. Well, I think it should be. A night of heavy distortion, bumping into attendees and losing yourself to the music is why I’ve always loved going to these gigs as freeing experiences.
Dead Air emphatically delivered on these fronts.
Coming into Tiny Rebel for the first time I was welcomed by a swarm of people relaxing around the bar musing about the upcoming show. Something that’s worth noting was the casual and approachable atmosphere at the venue; everyone was talking to each other about their music tastes and discussing the best IPA the place had on draught. Walking upstairs to the show space I was greeted warmly at the door and had a chance to relax before the gig.
However, after sitting down the roar of an electric guitar shot through the room which alerted me that now was the time to find my place among the crowd. As everyone pooled around the stage I was greeted to the melodic pop-punk energy of the opening band Bones Ate Arfa. The lead singer’s balance between effortless singing and primal screams seemed to surprise everyone in the room in the most thrilling way, which paired with the commanding guitar and drums synergized into an aura of modern nostalgia for the bands I grew up with.
As they filled the room with energy, anticipation amounted for the headline act.
The phrase ‘calm before the storm’ may be cliché, but it prevails in how the next part of the night played out. When Dead Air took the stage, I had a few minutes to get comfortable in my corner of the room, making sure I could still see the band through the array of tall listeners in front of me. These couple minutes of calm were short-lived as a commanding bassline seemed to weave through room; foreshadowing the electricity of the performance to come.
Dead Air were undeniable – compelling the crowd with newer tracks like Fast Food World it became clear to me there was one thing that the band wanted and that was everybody moving. I can say without a doubt that they succeeded. The room was suspended in a constant electricity and the people around me were thrashing into each other in the most whimsically respectful way. The dual capacity of being able to throw yourself into the person next to you to induce a smile and not a shove is a dichotomy you’ll often see at a local punk gig, and it’s one worth experiencing.
A personal favourite of the night was getting to see Black Flag performed live. Hearing the upbeat, rhythmic chorus of the song before I came to the show, I was highly anticipating how the band would keep up the energy when they played. They did not disappoint. The track presented the same dance-inducing beat which just hit harder in person, loosening up the crowd as they played and transforming them in to eagerly jumping participants.
Propelling the night onwards, Dead Air kept me guessing. Songs ranged from hard-hitting riffs which reminded me of Rage Against the Machine to their equally powerful yet moodier tracks – either way I was enthralled. Each song brought with it a crescendo capable of making the audience put down their beers and headbang, and capable of making myself join in on the fun.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the particular moment where the appreciation for their influences jumped out. It was about mid-way through the set, everyone readying themselves for the next song, when the band started playing a riff. I quickly recognised this as the iconic intro to Song For the Dead by one of my favourite bands Queens of the Stone Age. They then smoothly transitioned this into their own music in a way that gave the audience exactly the hit of energy to keep them on their toes. It’s safe to say that if the crowd wasn’t already, everyone was now sold on Dead Air – myself included.
After playing their final songs the room erupted into cheers and claps, clearly satisfied with their choice of a Thursday night. The band then left the stage and took time to thank and chat with the fans in the room. I was fortunate enough to thank the lead singer in person before I left for an amazing night, and he was beyond humble and kind. Everyone in attendance, bands and the crowd alike, were friendly and ready for a good time which made the whole experience so welcoming and fun.
Calculated chaos, unrelenting intensity and an amiable personality. Dead Air represent what I love about punk. Just as I felt when watching them perform, I’m eagerly looking forward to seeing what’s to come.
Words by Ruby Davis
Featured image courtesy of Joe Bannister
