New York-based rock band DIIV (pronounced as “Dive”) hits First Avenue’s Mainstage joined by Horse Jumper of Love and Full Body 2 on Sunday, July 28, 2024. Formed in 2011, the group is made up of Zachary Cole Smith (vocals, guitar), Andrew Bailey (guitar), Colin Caulfield (bass, keyboards, guitar, vocals) and Ben Newman (drums). Four years into making their fourth album, Frog in Boiling Water, the four members of DIIV needed to talk—not later, but now.
The extended process had been uncertain and sometimes grueling, not only pushing them to up their musicianship but also taxing almost every resource and bond they had ever cultivated. During the prior decade, DIIV had helped revitalize dream-pop and shoegaze alike, culminating in 2019’s unapologetic genre showcase, Deceiver. But with it, DIIV were now out of contract, proverbial free agents who didn’t owe anything to anyone but themselves—that is, to make a record that challenged them, that pushed their sound beyond any previous parameters
Horse Jumper of Love
2022 saw the release of Horse Jumper of Love’s latest full-length, Natural Part, and now less than a year later, the band is back with an unexpected new release. Heartbreak Rules is a mini-album of sorts: a collection of eight completely fresh songs, two reimagined versions of standout tracks from Natural Part, and a cover of The Smashing Pumpkins classic, “Luna.” But the most striking thing about Heartbreak Rules is the volume–or more specifically, the lack of it. This is a sparse, intimate version of Horse Jumper of Love, one that forgoes the waves of fuzz and feedback, and instead highlights the indelible songwriting at the core of their music.
Full Body 2
Full Body 2 an explorative band from Rochester, N.Y. has found its niche tapping into a bold blend of digital rock, shoegaze, and curated electronic chaos. Composed of Cassidy Rose Hammond, Dylan Vaisey, and Jack Chaffer, this trio created Full Body 2 in 2020 as a one-off project from their former indie-rock band Full Body. Full Body 2 provides us with music that encourages creativity. It is motivating and refreshing. They are defined by their unique use of sound collage and abstract vocal work. Full Body 2 is positive, energetic, and undeniably loud.
Tickets are available HERE!
