The Dig @ The Thunderbird Cafe, Pittsburgh
March 19th, 2009 - by Niles Rockwell
Lately I’ve been getting lucky when I go out not intending to see any band in particular, but then I run into something really good – all by accident. It’s rare, but I’ve been on a streak of sorts lately.
I kept the streak going when I caught an unheard of (to me, at least) band from NYC called The Dig at The Thunderbird Café in Pittsburgh. They were in town on a tour of show swaps they set up with locals in cities all across the Northeast and Midwest. And at some pretty impressive clubs along the way.
From the first note this band grabbed my attention (another rare occurrence) and pulled me out of the daze I was in leaning against the bar. And they didn’t let go for the whole set. They’ve got a vintage rock sound that blends the grit of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club with the bounce of the Strokes. It’s Rock ‘n Roll boiled down to its most basic ingredients: Balls, Volume, and a good Hook.
Don’t forget rhythm. Too many acts these days do. The Dig laid down layer upon layer of the stuff (guitar, bass, drums, Rhodes), stacking it up and thickening the hell out of their grooves. No need to get overly riffy. The basics were that good. The songs pull you in with their catchy beats, well-written melodies, and simple hooks…imagine a hipster basement party where the band is actually good. I know, it’s hard. But trust me, these dudes got it!
Song after song was strong and the guys played them with a fervor that only comes with skill and experience. There weren’t any misfires or “time to take a piss” songs in the set. And the crowd dug (pun annoyingly intended) them, too, really getting behind the band and even calling for an encore. Not bad for an out-of-town band no one had heard before.
They are hitting up a bunch of cities in the next few months. Do yourself a friggin’ service and check them out. You’re sure to dig them…
Sorry, I had to go there.
(Eddie: There were more dates, but I forgot to publish this. Me = awesome)
April, 10 2009 10:00 PM – The Elevens
140 Pleasant St, Northampton, MA – $5
April, 11 2009 09:00 PM – The Khyber
56 s. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19106 – $7
