Straight outta lockdown

Welcome back to the real world. The local live music scene is slowly ramping up again and the future looks golden. After four weeks of blissful hermit life and comfortable livestreams, going out into the cold harsh night feels like a bit of a chore ... But it’ll all be worth it once you get there.

CUCK AND FRIENDS FRIDAY JULY 3 AT THE CROWN

The provocatively named Cuck make their live debut at The Crown. What is Cuck? Nobody knows, but we’re about to find out. Joining them are Night Lunch and Koizilla, back in action for their first gigs post-lockdown. By the way, the Crown and Inch Bar’s joint crowdfunding campaign ended last week with over $10,000 raised! Ka pai.

OPEN MIC NIGHT WITH BOAZ ANEMA, WEDNESDAY JULY 1 AT DOG WITH TWO TAILS. FREE

The Dog with Two Tails open mic nights are back too, every Wednesday, and they’re a great way to experience some rough and raw musical expressions. Could be a good opportunity to share that lockdown song you worked on too? Go on.

LEVEL ONE PARTY! SATURDAY JULY 4 AT BARK/DOG WITH TWO TAILS. $5

If anything is worth celebrating on July 4 it’s the fact that we’ve managed to contain the pandemic that is ravaging the rest of the world, and what better way to do that than with a party! The Rhododendrons are playing, they’re a pretty new band with a pretty new sound — a kind of slightly psychedelic alt-rock vibe which will get you groovin’ — along with Bathysphere and Sometime Winner.

REUNITE FOR PUNK AT THE CROWN. SATURDAY JULY 4. $5

And if you think a more suitable way to celebrate the occasion is with some classic punk, the Crown has you covered. Psycho King Dogs, Your Face and Chemical Damage will provide the punk music so all you need to do is bring the punk attitude.

For more from Fraser Thompson go to dunedinsound.com.