Dehd with Gustaf @ Fine Line 11/11/24

My dear sweet Hannah (my date for this show) asked if I was going to write anything about this gig and initially I wasn’t because of time constraints, but then she reminded me that we first saw Dehd at the Pitchfork Music Festival in 2021 and as of that morning (11/11) Pitchfork had announced the end of the Chicago festival, and seeing them that night after the news felt a little serendipitous.

Now, while we will forever mourn the festival, that didn’t stop us from dancing and singing and giggling and gossiping the night away. NYC’s buzzy art punk band, Gustaf, opened the night. They’ve gained excitement surrounding their unique, danceable sound and reliably fun stage presence.

Apparently wearing sunglasses on stage is the Cool Girl thing to do now – both Gustaf’s lead singer, Lydia Gammill, and Dehd’s Emily Kempf (bass, vocals) sported a pair on and off throughout their sets and I’m here for it. Dehd is actually an abbreviation for Dream Eagles and Heavy Dreams, the bands that Jason Bala and Kempf were a part of at the time they started the project. Since joining forces, they’ve added Eric McGrady on drums who plays standing behind a reduced kit, which is unique.

Their 2020 LP, Flower of Devotion, was critically acclaimed and they quickly gained a following for their bouncy, idiosyncratic blend of post-punk, surf rock, and a touch of dream pop. They’re touring the US right now with the release of 2024’s Poetry which made up a solid chunk of the evening’s setlist.

So lovely to see them again, to see them with my Hannah, to dance and move and generally have a good time. Check out the photos below and have a peek at the setlist if you please!