Die Spitz are a fierce band of bad ass young women from Austin Texas. Their sound and attitude is extremely reminiscent of everything wonderful about the Sub Pop singles club of the late 80s—heavy Mudhoney, Nirvana, Melvins and even Pixies vibes. In fact, it’s almost an insult to call it reminiscent, as Die Spitz—in my opinion—is not only a peer to these bands, they are a reawakening and progression of the brutally honest, raw, guitar-focused rock music of this golden age.

Three of the four members share vocal duties in the band, each one bringing something unique to the table. This is key to not only making the band stand out amongst its peers, but it really pushes what you should expect from aggressive rock music, by throwing it all at you at once.

From the face-melting, dropped C-tuning doom metal of “Throw Yourself to the Sword,” to the haunting, Deftones-esque, atmospheric “Sound to No One,” to the girl-power anthem “RIDING WITH MY GIRLS” that would make Lemmy, himself tremble in his boots (and these are just Ellie Livingston’s songs, folks)… this kind of variety, execution, and impeccable taste is extremely rare in a band.

Multiply that by three, because the other two songwriters bring even more to the table in their own right. Guitarist Ava Schrobilgen, and drummer Chloe de St. Aubin provide additional depth and sweetness to the music. The two even have co-writing credits on the gut-wrenching, anti-exploitation lament, “American Porn.” Schrobilgen also shares drum duties while de St. Aubin sings lead, often in more traditionally feminine shoe gaze style. See “Punishers” or the album’s refrain, “a strange moon/selenophilia.”

I have a particular soft spot for Schrobilgen’s songs, though. There is an unhinged vulnerability to them that just hits hard with me. “My Hot Piss”—a single released last year—is… just everything. “Pop Punk Anthem (Sorry for the Delay),” which is actually on the album, hits similarly.

And lest I short change bassist Kate Halter… Perhaps not a singer and songwriter in her own right, but if you have ever caught the band live (or one of the many live performances posted on YouTube), you know the charmingly uncomfortable personality she brings to the band. And her bass tone on this record is TO DIE FOR. Check out the bridge in “Punishers.” HUGE!

I am super excited to see them at Bottom of the Hill in San Francisco on October 14 (SOLD OUT!). Ellie climbs on shit, though. It makes me really nervous. It’s probably a dad thing.

Something to Consume is out now on Third Man Records. It is certainly something that will consume you. It has me. More bands like this, please!

Get Something to Consume

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