DIIV's latest single, 'The Fountain', is a harbinger of their upcoming album, 'ZIRP!', which is set to be released on October 30th via Fantasy Recordings. This album marks a significant departure from their previous work, with A.G. Cook producing and the band embracing a more live-focused approach. The result is a unique sound that blends intricate guitar parts with specific guitar pedals and a live drum recording, creating a 'utopian, dystopian mantra'.
The band's new single, 'The Fountain', showcases this new direction, with its haunting melody and ominous lyrics. The tracklisting for 'ZIRP!' includes tracks like 'Kid', 'When The Glow Came For Us', and 'Dare Me', each contributing to the album's thematic exploration of societal breakdown and streaming's endless cycle.
DIIV's upcoming tour dates include a US leg, with select shows in Europe, supporting Interpol and Basement. The tour will kick off at The Meadows in Brooklyn on September 29th, with headline shows in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and a stop at Belgium's Sonic City Festival. Pre-save/pre-order the album here.
In an interview, bassist Colin Caulfield and frontman Zachary Cole Smith discussed the challenges of recording the album, including the band's initial ambitions and the eventual need for vigilance in maintaining relationships within the band. The album 'Frog In Boiling Water' received a three-star review, with critics praising its impressionistic, seemingly timeless charms.
DIIV's music has also been influenced by external events, such as the impact of LA's wildfires on Zachary Cole Smith, as discussed in an NME article. The band's ability to adapt and create new sounds, as demonstrated by 'ZIRP!', showcases their resilience and artistic growth, making them a force to be reckoned with in the shoegaze genre.
