Chilly breezes have finally settled in to the Twin Cities.
After a long week of current events swirling around mixed with the calm before the holiday storm, a punk show was a most excellent idea for a Friday night in Minneapolis. Got onto a very full lightrail trail at Fort Snelling (seriously, have saved so much money on gas and parking since making it my go-to option for heading downtown.) Not sure exactly what was happening with all the out of town college students on the train, but was fun to listen to youthful banter while taking a relaxing ride into the Twin Cities. Got off in the warehouse district to pop into Smorgie’s before the show. No food this time but did have a frosty IPA of course. Met some Target Center employees while at the bar top, devouring their hot gossip like a hearty bowl of stew. Seems like a fascinating but fast paced place to work, not for me but definitely here for the stories. After my beer, braced for the almost freezing temps outside. Of course, didn’t want to bring a jacket so sucked it up for the two block walk to First Ave.
When getting to the infamous venue, spied a very lovely sign taped to each door. SOLD OUT. Fun fact about the First Ave stars that adorn the outside facades. To get your band or name in a star on the building’s outside brick walls, you have to not only sell out one show but THREE, or do something powerful for the community. Though Die Spitz is a newer band, they are already on their way towards earning one of those iconic symbols of music success; a First Ave star. The crowds were already popping inside, merch lines of course bursting with fans waiting to secure a tour tee. 40$ for a Die Spitz t-shirt, not horrible but slightly too rich for my blood. With only one opener, was hoping for a good showing before the headliner took the stage, and people got the assignment.
Los Angeles’ Faetooth was up first and started right at 7:30pm so the fans didn’t have to wait a minute more. A stage drenched in aqua blue light, the trio brought the cool mood in right away. Self described as “fairy-doom metal,” I can get down with that. A tantalizing slush of inspiration, heard a lot of doom and sludge vibes pulling strong weight throughout their set. Also some unique “shoegaze” aka dream rock channeled during their songs, very blissful at times but the reverting back to a raw intensity. Drummer Rah Kanan was energetic and timely, just what you expect and demand from a metal band. Or should I say a rock band? I am not sure what term to use. To me, felt more metal leaning, especially with the two vocal stylings contrasting between bassist Jenna Garcia and guitarist Ari May. Groovy and moody then harsh and brutal. The two voices in tandem weaving versus battling against the other. Worked very well, and for someone new to the band, immediately dug. The audience got a slightly energetic and wild at times, but mostly was just enjoying the show with good ol’ headbanging and dancing. Their set was longer than expected thankfully, more than the short sweet 30 mins that an opener tends to perform. Faetooth was badass and a perfect choice to put on the bill, matching the temperament of the headliner quite excellently.
Didn’t have to wait very long at all between acts, twas already time for a little Die Spitz just 20 or so minutes after Faetooth was done with their set. Even though I was review and not photo for the show, did still congregate with the photographers on the main level before they got into the pit to start snapping. An very snowball’s chance in hell rarity was presented to me, all the photographers approved were gals. Kind of taken a back, since typically I am the one token girl or one of just a few in a sea of boys when at shows (metal and rock trend that way, I know, I know.)
Before they started, during the Faetooth set I was eyeballing the interesting array of table lamps decorating the stage. Was like oh that’s a neat treatment. Of course when Die Spitz popped up onto the stage, they lit up and pulsed with the music. Felt like I was in a late night coffeeshop mixed with punk extravaganza. Having seen Die Spitz a few months ago at the Minnesota Yacht Club, knew I was in for a high energy treat with them. Loved seeing them outside in the hot sun back then, but really enjoyed finally witnessing them perform in a club. Being in the First Ave halls enveloped by darkness, sounds, and elated fans is exactly how I wanted to drink them in. Was so happy when they played one of my favorite tunes, “I hate when GIRLS Die,” it is fuels by so much passion and you can feel every ounce of it when performed live. Their 2025 album “Something To Consume” was utilized for the lion’s share of the over dozen song setlist, so many hot and fast tracks on that one to keep the blood pumping. I was on the floor for a hot minute, but headed upstairs to see how the crowd was acting from above. Looking out at the ocean of bodies, love seeing waves of motion eb and flow from an eagle’s eye vantage. Proper amount of moshing and hardcore rocking out peppered the venue, even some breaking out on the second level. “Sold Out” doesn’t always mean everyone at the show wants to be AT the show. Typically there are some mopey mugs hanging in dimly lit corners, or significant others who were dragged to the show and not into it. Not the case with Friday’s show. From outside in the chillaxed smoking areas to the front row rail warriors, seems like everyone needed to let off some steam. Die Spitz returned the favor incredibly. Was only my second time seeing this quartet of young talented women, and it wont be my last.
Intense and energetic. Exactly what this girl wanted.
