Dehd put on an incredible set at Fine Line in Minneapolis this week. It was an unapologetically raw and energy filled evening that resonated with both die-hard fans and newcomers alike. The Chicago-based indie trio, known for their unique blend of post-punk, garage rock, and dream pop, brought an undeniable energy to the stage, transforming the intimate venue into a vibrating space of pure emotion and sound. The crowd screamed along to every song and it was an inviting, and energetic space.
Kicking the night off was Gustaf. Gustaf is a 5 person band full of dynamic and infectious displays of energy. They captured the audience’s attention from the very first note. The band’s blend of post-punk and indie rock, driven by sharp, angular guitar riffs and quick rhythms, set the tone for the night. Lead singer Lydia Gammill’s charismatic and chaotic stage presence and and angry vocals commanded the room, weaving between playful, and ragey energy. Their set, full of catchy hooks and angular melodies, built the perfect amount of anticipation for Dehd. This band belongs in the festival line ups of 2025.
The Fine Line, with its cozy yet electric atmosphere, was an ideal setting for Dehd’s emotive and kinetic sound. The venue’s low-ceiling, close quarters allowed for quite the close-knit experience, where the crowd could feel every beat reverberating through the floor and the walls. The band would often start a dialogue with their fans and it was like everyone was having one big exchange.
with the driving “Bad Love” from Blue Skies (2020), the band immediately established their signature sound—catchy guitar riffs, propulsive drums, and the intertwining harmonies of Emily Kempf and Jason Balla, whose voices both cut through the air with striking clarity and definition. From there, the night flowed seamlessly between raucous, cathartic anthems and quieter, more introspective moments. Emily even dedicated “Clear” to her dog, Burke.
Tracks like “Loner” and “Tell Me” had the crowd swaying and singing along, while newer songs such as “Window” and “Praise” showcased Dehd’s evolving musicality—still gritty, but with more nuanced textures. The crowd responded with an eagerness that matched the band’s intensity. Kempf’s basslines are the backbone of the group’s driving sound and meshed so well in with Balla’s jangly, reverb-heavy guitar, while drummer Eric McGrady held it all together with tight, propulsive rhythms. He was even drumming standing up!
One of the highlights of the evening was the emotional depth of Kempf’s vocals, particularly on tracks like “Harrison” and “Empty In My Head,” where she sings about heartbreak, yearning, and the spaces between connection. The songs were cathartic moments of release, with the crowd visibly engaged, swaying and nodding in solidarity. She called the crowd a giant anemone, because they were swaying as if they were in the ocean.
For anyone who has yet to see them live, their shows are a must—an unforgettable, e charged evening that captures the rawness and joy of music in its purest form!
