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In the short time I’ve been here, I’ve found myself at the gem (or pearl) of a venue that is Pearl Diver enough times to be sure that I’d never see down-the-street queues native to Subs or the Bog -- until last Friday, when half of Dunedin showed up to witness two of our best indie acts go back to back: orchestrally-flecked alt-rockers IVY and noise-punk architects Pearly*.
As soon as IVY struck their first chord, I understood why the place was packed- you just can’t miss them. Lush acoustics of Pearl Diver wedded with IVY’s spacious, sprawling take on alt-rock to create a set so emotionally colourful I swore I saw feelings flowing through the gaps in the crowd… a beautiful moment made better by the fact that I shared it with so many people.
I admit I was close to tears.
Enter Pearly*. I could go on, but like IVY you just have to see it. The stage energy of this four-piece is so potent that it feels like each note grabs you. Their trademark style of patient build-ups into releases of wailing vocals and spacey guitar feedback pierced me and instantly finished IVY’s work- I bawled my eyes out to their heart breaking opener Not so Sweet.
Photo Credit: Eren Reburiano
