Album Review: DIIV Is The Is Are

DIIV, formerly known as Dive, started out as Zachaery Cole Smith’s solo bedroom recording project. Since the dawn of the ‘10s DIIV has evolved into one of the most emulated bands in the current indie scene with their unique style of reverby lo-fi rock. Released on Brooklyn based label Captured Tracks, Is The Is Are is the follow up to the critically acclaimed debut release Oshin.

Since the release of Oshin Smith has written over 150 new songs, of which 17 tracks have been included on Is The Is Are. Smith produced the record himself and plays all instruments during the recording phase, barring Sky Ferreira’s voice. In many ways this record is similar to Oshin, it’s a hazy blend of twangy guitars, layered with rambling ‘verbed out vocals low in the mix, complimented by punchy bass lines, which at times almost feel like a lead instrument.

It does feel more refined than Oshin, and is in some ways more accessible, although you could argue that the Kim Gordon inspired ramblings of Ferreira and Smith on the song Blue Boredom would never truly appeal to a ‘conventional’ audience.

Overall I found this record interesting enough to warrant many re-listens and although it definitely won’t appeal to everybody I would highly recommend giving it a try no matter your taste.

If you are on the fence give the song Loose Ends a listen to get a feel for what DIIV is all about.