Swiftie-level devotion met a wall of sonic brutality when Death Grips grabbed The Midland
Death Grips at Midland 2023. // Photo by Sofia Mongillo
KC’s Midland Theatre witnessed an explosion of raw energy on the night of July 25 as genre-blurring, experimental hip-hop group, Death Grips, took to the stage for a performance difficult to capture in words.
Known for their ear-splitting, unique blend of sounds falling under categories ranging from electropunk to digital hardcore to rap rock, the alternative trio’s fanbase is similarly a fusion of older generations’ nostalgia and Gen-Z folk discovering a relatively new wave of innovative music.
The Midland itself has been known as a safe haven and gathering place for music lovers since its birth in 1927. Its ornate and timeless interior proved to be a fitting setting for the event, and as concert-goers scrambled the premises looking for their next move, the buzz of excitement in the air grew. With the capacity to host roughly 3,000 people, its halls have seen the likes of endless fandoms and audiences over the years. Like many rock and metal bands, Death Grip’s mob in particular is known for their ground-shaking, extreme love for starting mosh pits.
Death Grips pit at Midland 2023. // Photo by Sofia Mongillo
The group’s iconic scream-singing, fast tempos, and aggressive instrumentals emulated a power that only drove the seemingly crazed fans, and with each song, the link between band and audience pulsated.
Father and son duos, friend groups, and Death Grips enthusiasts alike shoved each other with contentment.
With a total showtime of only 90 minutes, the performance was short and sweet, but just right. While the runtime was seemingly brief compared to other artists, the sheer amount of musical substance squished into that hour and a half was enough to last a lifetime. Earplugs were thrown away, but rest assured, the memories are here to stay.
The ear ringing lasted long into the following days. Fuck yeah.
Set List:
System Blower
I’ve Seen Footage
Spread Eagle Cross the Block
I Break Mirrors With My Face in the United States
Takyon (Death Yon)
Get Got
You Might Think He Loves You
No Love
Hustle Bones
Blackjack
BB Poison
Inanimate Sensation
Guillotine
Death Grips Is Online
Giving Bad People Good Ideas
Anne Bonny
The Fever (Aye Aye)
Have a Sad Cum BB
Up My Sleeves
Steroids Track A
Steroids Track C
Come Up and Get Me
Bubbles Buried in This Jungle
Lost Boys
Black Paint
Big House
Lock Your Doors
Death Grips 2.0 / Runway H
Hacker
Death Grips at Midland 2023. // Photo by Sofia Mongillo
