Lights hit, keys shimmer, and suddenly The Baso feels twice its size. Dice stroll out to a roar that’s half‑applause, half‑anticipation, and Hodgey wastes zero time — straight into Call Me for a Good Time, a perfect opener that flicks the switch from “Wednesday night” to “we’re on here”. The crowd moves instantly, like someone pressed play on the whole room.
Hodge’s voice is the anchor of it all — that distinct, bluesy, soulful, deep‑throated tone that somehow sounds exactly like the record but still feels alive and loose in the moment. He’s charismatic without trying, a natural performer who knows how to let the songs breathe. But Dice aren’t a one‑man show. The lads around him bring their own flavour, and live, that flavour hits harder.
Regan and Sam’s bass‑and‑drum combo is a full‑body experience — the kind that makes your chest thump and your head bop before you even realise you’re doing it. They looked genuinely stoked all night, grinning through every track like two mates who still can’t believe this is their job. Tom on lead guitar? A character. Plays up to the crowd, knows exactly when to throw a line or a look to lift the room, and absolutely shreds when it counts.
The set itself was one of the tightest we’ve seen from a young Aussie band. But one moment stood above the rest: the keyboard interlude at the end of “Stars” sliding seamlessly into “Quick to Judge”. Smooth, clever, and perfectly timed — the crowd fed off it instantly. It showed how well Dice understand pacing: when to lift the energy, when to drop it, and when to let a song breathe before punching into the next one.
Another standout? The crowd belting Stop Sign like it was a hometown anthem. Loud, proud, and clearly full of fans who’ve been there since day one.
What really hits you, though, is how established Dice’s sound already is. For a band that only kicked off in 2020, their rise has been quick — but they still carry themselves with that grounded, humble energy. Hanging in the crowd, chatting with fans, watching the warm‑up acts… you don’t see that often, and it makes you root for them even harder.
Last month we said their album was one of the best of 2026 thus far. After seeing them live for the first time, we’re doubling down — if you get the chance to catch Dice on their national tour, do it. Even if you’re new to them, the energy will get you.
Our favourite tracks of the night:
• Footprints
• Stars
• Loose Change
• Cooler
• Quick to Judge
• Alter Ego
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