If Diarrhea Planet are playing live, there’s no reason not go. The rowdy six-piece garage rockers from Nashville have earned every bit of their reputation as one of the wildest live shows you can find. I’ve seen them nearly a half a dozen times live now, and each time is just as fun and memorable as the last. On April 4 the group played their largest New York show to date (not counting last year’s Governors Ball performance of course) with a sold out performance at Bowery Ballroom.
Brooklyn trio Slonk Donkerson kicked things off with a powerful opening set that jump-started the crowd. Their sound definitely fit stylistically alongside Diarrhea Planet, while also finding some solace in more 90s elements with some memorable hooks that win you over instantaneously. The group are one of the most hardworking live bands you’ll find in Brooklyn, with plenty of shows scattered throughout the rest of the month. Find their tour dates posted at their website and check out some more tunes at their bandcamp page.
Up next came four-piece Left & Right, a band originally from Virginia but now based out of Philadelphia. Their sound was a more moody set of 90s inspired rock and roll, with their two guitarists taking turns taking lead vocal duties. They wove in and out of faced paced rockers and some contemplative slow jams. They’re also signed to Infinity Cat Recordings, the same label as tourmates Diarrhea Planet.
Some bands are just meant to be seen live, in the front row where all the kids will be pushing and shoving, where things will get sweaty, and beer may be spilt on and around you. It’s the sacrifice you need to make to really get the most out of the excellent live show that Diarrhea Planet give you, because how else will you be able to be mere feet away from one of their four guitarists as they rock guitar solos in front of you or often above you as they’re crowdsurfing?
The boys of Diarrhea Planet know how to control a crowd, or rather, cause people to get out of control. But you just can’t help but loose your shit as they’re rocking any of the many great jams from their breakthrough 2013 album I’m Rich Beyond Your Wildest Dreams. They have a true rock and roll spirit on stage, engaging with all the dramatic rock poses and crowdsurfs that you can ask for, while also delivering a wild cover of The Who’s “Baba O’Riley.”
I’m not as willing these days to dive headfirst into a crazy crowd of drunk people, but when a band like Diarrhea Planet come to play, you indulge a little.
Find photos of all three bands posted below.
Diarrhea Planet Setlist:
Slonk Donkerson:
Left & Right:
Diarrhea Planet:
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