DIIV Live Review - Birmingham O2 Institute

If there's any new band that's successfully creating a modern take on 90's shoegaze, it's these guys from New York. Following on from the band's debut album - 'Oshin', DIIV gave evidence that they have more to offer with their just as gripping and intense 17 track compilation 'Is The Is Are'; proving that there's more to them than just another reverb infused mix of indie-pop psych.

If there's one thing they're known for - it's their highly distinctive and fluttery chimes of indie-pop guitar riffs that melt into more melancholy tones. However, each track still compresses the ability to have its own individuality, making you feel everything from euphoria to strong senses of angst all of course whilst still feeling as if you're on a rather blissful trip.

The four-piece spilled onto the stage encased in baggy trousers and caps with a contagious look of excitement plastered over their faces. The nerves soon became evident with the constant announcement of the band's name after each song and a reminder of where they're from.

The breathy vocals of front-man Zachary Cole Smith added the underlying sense of distress through the more personal feel of his lyrics complied with the contrasting upbeat rhythms of euphoric 'Dopamine'; which, gives the listener a surge of exactly that - having almost the same effect due to containing the craving to come back for more. This falls far on the other side of the spectrum in comparison with their previous hazy sounding, emotion-charged first album - 'Oshin', however both albums would still not be mistaken for any others as although appearing to have been set in completely different frames of mind, they both sound like DIIV's very own creation and sound.

The band's overwhelming sense of unpredictability was reflected as they made it clear that they didn't quite have a set-list; meaning most small-talk in between songs consisted of Zachary asking the crowd what songs they wanted to hear played next, only adding to the connection between the band and the audience.

Surges of euphoria vibrated throughout the room with the dominant pounding of intense bass riffs from bassist Devin Reuben Perez stabilising the feeling, making himself present amongst the mysterious haze of blue lighting. The intense thump of earthy bass was unmissable within well known older track - 'Doused' - which managed to conjure up just as much energy as the more hopeful and dreamy sounding 'Valentine', where brooding rushes of vitality were flying out thick and fast.

One of the most surprising aspects to the evening was the band's ability to create such unmissable stage presence and a stir amongst the audience, as by first hearing of their songs you wouldn't expect much of a reaction live; however, if you are as doubtful as I was then get yourself down to the front at one of their shows and you'll see what I mean as the crowds energy seemed to create a whole different mood with moshpits-aplenty.

Written by Rosie Mulhern