Dunfermline, Scotland – From the moment they hit the stage at PJ Molloys, Dictator showed us exactly why they are a band with their star on the rise. It was the first chance to perform their new EP “El Niño” (Blackhall Records) in front of a live audience and it was nothing short of explosive. This gig marked the band’s first stop in a mini North of Scotland tour ahead of their highly anticipated debut US performances at the New Colossus Festival in New York.
Opening for Dictator were two exceptional acts: SILVI, a soulful singer-songwriter with a real gift for connecting with her audience, and Rosie Alice, an up-and-coming talent whose performance was a promising glimpse into her bright future.
The night, however, belonged to Dictator. Their blend of samples, funky hip-hop beats, and indie rock is uniquely their own, and the band’s energy was contagious. Lead singer Michael showcased his vocal versatility, switching between the joy of “Almost Famous” to the heartbreaking tones of “Lullaby”. Between songs, the banter was pure gold, with the band’s camaraderie shining through—Joe, the bassist, kept the crowd entertained with his funky rhythm and his joshing with Michael, Zach on guitar brought the rock while Alan on drums was the heartbeat of their high-octane performance.
They kicked off the set with “Days Gone By”, a track that set the tone with its indie vibe, before transitioning into the punchy “Conquistador”, where Michael warned a fictional protagonist to “lose the iron fist or meet an early grave”. From there, the show only got more electrifying and special guest Chef the Rapper joined them on stage for “Pangolin”, “Figure it Out” and “1z N 0z”, which took the crowd to full-on party status. The energy was palpable, with the audience bouncing and jumping in sync at Michael’s request.
One of the night’s standout moments came during “Rubik’s Cube”, the track that has become legendary among fans due to the infamous cube challenge. Its premise is simple but it’s no east task: be the fastest to complete a Rubik’s cube during the song, and you win a band T-shirt. It’s a genius way to bring the crowd into the performance and is just one example of how Dictator always keep things fun and engaging.
As the set drew to a close with “HL7”, it was clear that no one wanted the night to end. Fans were hoping for an encore, but the band left us on a high note. Having been a fan since their first EP, “Rubik’s Cube”, it’s clear that Dictator have come a long way, and with their infectious energy and genre-defying sound, they’re bound to make waves, especially when they take on New York next.
If you’re looking for a band that’s impossible to categorize but unforgettable to watch, Dictator is the one. Get ready to hear a lot more from these guys. Dictator will be playing at the New Colossus Festival, New York on:
Thursday March 6th, 9:15pm – Sour Mouse
Sunday March 9th, 1.30pm – Arlene’s Grocery
