A sold-out crowd of over 900 fans had packed into Mohawk Austin, eager for a night of revelry and romance led by Die Spitz.
The atmosphere in the outside venue was chaotic, anticipation and a fine mist hung in the air. Fans were ready to throw themselves into the music, both figuratively and literally. Utterly committed to the experience, the audience was not just there to watch, they were part of the performance.
Opening the show was Farmer’s Wife, with lead vocalist Molly Masson adorned in angel wings took to the stage with her heart shaped guitar, she looked like if Cupid were a really hot girl. Their set possessed a raw energy, amplified by their politically fueled tune “Greg Abbott’s Maxi Pad.” At one point, Molly tossed candy into the crowd, bestowing heavenly gifts of gummy bears and sour stripes into the writhing pit.
By the time Die Spitz took the stage, the venue was already at a fever pitch. The band delivered a performance that was as theatrical as it was aggressive. Kicking things off with a burlesque-inspired introduction, three friends of the band took the stage, performing a sultry routine with feather boas and fans, before diving into the crowd as the first notes rang out.
Die Spitz tore through their setlist, including “I Hate When GIRLS Die” and “My Hot Piss.” Their stage presence was undeniable. It was impossible to focus on just one member, as the entire band commanded attention. The crowd went absolutely wild. Waves of fans climbing onto the stage and hurling themself back into the pit below. People were losing shoes, phones, and jewelry as they surfed across the crowd.
Technically speaking, Die Spitz was locked in, never missing a beat despite the mayhem around them. Bassist Kate Halter and guitarist Ava Schrobligen often crossed behind lead vocalist and guitarist Ellie Livingston so they could play to each other. A highlight of the night was when drummer Chloe Andrews traded her sticks for Ava’s guitar for several songs and delivered blistering vocals. Ellie took the cray-crayness a step further, climbing onto the speakers beside the stage, looming over the thrashing crowd below.
By the time the final notes rang out there was a collective feeling of catharsis and exhilaration. Die Spitz had given their all, and the audience had matched them every step of the way. This was a riotous, unforgettable Valentine’s Day at its most raw and rowdy.
As a Houston native, I am passionate about the deep well of talent that Texas has to offer. From DIY shows to major label musicians, I just love to consume live music. I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to highlight and memorialize incredible artists through photography and writing. When not on tour, studying at the University of Houston, or at local shows, I can be found reading, writing songs, enjoying soft cheeses, planning themed parties, and rolling down the hill at Hermann Park.
