By Bryan Doan, March 4, 2025
DIIV, pronounced as dive, delivered a wave of sound that engulfed the packed venue at the Glass House Pomona Feb. 21, delivering a relentless, high-energy set that had the crowd in constant motion.
From shimmering melodies to crushing walls of distortion, the band showcased its signature balance of delicacy and intensity.
The shoegaze genre thrives in live spaces, and DIIV’s performance proved why. The volume was loud but not overpowering, allowing the riffs and cascading sounds to reverberate throughout the venue.
Bursts of reverb and the ethereal vocals of lead singer Zachary Cole Smith drifted through the haze, seamlessly backed by bassist Colin Caulfield’s harmonies, which added depth to the band’s signature sound. Guitarist Andrew Bailey stood out when he took center stage, keeping the energy up with his performance and radiating effortlessly on the stage. The band is clearly well-rehearsed and delivered each song with precision.
The setlist dug deep into their discography, mixing fan-favorites from albums such as “Oshin,” “Is the Is Are” and “Deceiver,” along with newer material such as the track “Frogs in Boiling Water,” which had fans swaying, moshing and circling the pit.
The show’s opener, “In Amber,” which also kicked off “Frog in Boiling Water,” immediately set the tone for the night. Smith and Bailey’s guitars swelled with intensity during “Like Before You Were Born” ahead of erupting into the sharp riffs of “Brown Paper Bag.”
With current shoegaze bands emulating the greats of the past such as My Bloody Valentine, DIIV is unique. While the band draws from the qualities of its predecessors, sharper songwriting, a post-punk edge and a spiritual quality that makes DIIV stand out.
While the show itself was an experience, it carried a deeper meaning. Proceeds from ticket sales went toward a fund for lead vocalist Zachary Cole Smith, who lost his home in the Eaton Fire. Additionally, a GoFundMe $30,000 goal quickly surpassed expectations, raising more than $100,000, proving the dedication of the band’s fan base.
Fans traveled far to see the band, with one attendee Hailey Gladden making the trip from Asheville, North Carolina. Closer to home, CPP music industries student Jacob Lopez, who draws inspiration from DIIV for his band Tough Change, reflected on how the visual effects added to the experience.
“When the lights really coincide with the drops, those are the best moments,” Lopez said. “When it gets really heavy and the lights flicker, it just hits you in your soul.”
Texas-based shoegaze band Kraus opened the night with a set that built anticipation. Before the main set, the crowd was met with an eerie, pseudo-religious film, adding a layer of surrealism to the night. While the wait between sets was around 30 minutes long, the payoff was well worth it once DIIV launched into its performance.
The Pomona show Feb. 21 was the first of four back-to-back California dates, followed by stops in San Luis Obispo, San Francisco and Ventura.
Feature image courtesy of Bryan Doan
