Bass Drum of Death Live at Dante’s Portland – A High-Energy Night with Gus Baldwin & The Sketch and Tragic Lovers
If there’s one thing Portland never fails to deliver, it’s a killer rock show and Bass Drum of Death at Dante’s was exactly that. I’d surprisingly never been to a show at Dante’s before, but the moment I stepped inside, the dim red glow, vintage cabaret vibes, and wall-to-wall energy set the tone for a night that promised to get loud, sweaty, and unforgettable. Dante’s Portland is one of those venues that feels meant for gritty, guitar-heavy rock, and this lineup fit like a glove.
Tragic Lovers Kick Off the Night
Local openers Tragic Lovers were first to hit the stage, and the crowd wasted no time pulling in closer. Even though I hadn’t heard of them before, they instantly had the room’s attention. Their sound blends moody post punk energy—perfectly suited for Dante’s intimate chaos. Their set was tight, engaging, and a great reminder of how thriving Portland’s local music scene really is.
Gus Baldwin and The Sketch Bring Serious Momentum
Next up were Gus Baldwin and The Sketch , a band I’ve not crossed paths with before but knew I was in for something good. They didn’t waste a second ramping up the momentum. Their high-energy blend of punk garage rock and fiery guitar work had the whole place bouncing. Gus Baldwin’s stage presence is electric, and The Sketch match that intensity effortlessly. This was the perfect middle set to get the crowd primed for the headliner.
Bass Drum of Death Ignites Dante’s
By the time Bass Drum of Death walked onstage, the entire room was buzzing. They're known for their raw garage-rock sound, punchy riffs, and infectious hooks—and the crowd clearly knew every word. The second they launched into their set, people were dancing, shouting lyrics, and living in full rock-and-roll mode. They’re currently touring in support of SIX, their newest record that was released in September and has already been making waves with fans. Listen to it HERE.
Bass Drum of Death has this way of sounding both chaotic and perfectly controlled onstage. It’s loud, fast, and fun without ever missing a beat. They played a mix of fan favorites and newer tracks, and every song hit with the same intensity. The energy in Dante’s felt almost physical—like the whole room was vibrating with the music.
From discovering new local talent like Tragic Lovers, to getting swept up in the explosive energy of Gus Baldwin and The Sketch, to the full-throttle performance by Bass Drum of Death, this show at Dante’s was everything I love about Portland’s music scene. It was loud, sweaty, packed, and full of people who came to have a good time.
If you ever get the chance to see Bass Drum of Death or honestly, to catch any show at Dante’s you won’t regret it.