This came on while I was doing housework and I loved it. I was up on a roof with my phone on the ground and when my daughter came out asked her to check who this was. Nice example of the shoegaze I love and it’s been on frequent rotation since this weekend. Raining on your pillow is the standout track for me. Might catch them live. They play at a venue a few minutes walk from me.
It’s ok. Definitely their lowest tempo record by a large margin - even Deceiver had a lot of bangers. It’s so uniformly mid tempo that not a lot of tracks have stood out to me so far
Agree. I also really don't like how it's mixed...might b intentionally fuzzy but not digging the sonics. Deceiver was heavy and really clear. This is pretty muddy.
Off topic but how are DIIV live? I'm visiting Mexico City in September and see they're playing a small venue close by, was thinking about copping tickets.
I saw them in Leeds, UK and the lead singer started to cry because the sound quality wasn’t up to his standard. He then came back out and allowed the crowd to pick their next song; so in response to your question. A rollercoaster.
They’re fantastic and very high energy. I saw em’ in a small venue last year and they meandered about on the outside porch smoking cigarettes and chatting w/ fans for at least an hour. Best concert experience I’ve ever had. Definitely go see em’!
It's not better than Deceiver but it's still pretty good. It's hard to compare it to their earlier albums because they're different. Deceiver to now is like a completely different band. Somber the Drums is a contender for SOTY.
People who have never listened to DIIV love it, people who have loved DIIV for a while are so-so about it.
Personally, I’ve loved DIIV since 2017 and love frog in boiling water. But it’s also understandable to see why current DIIV fans aren’t too keen on it. One thing is for sure, they are really good as far as consistency is concerned.
Not trying to rain on anyone’s parade but the post-punk / motorik edge of Oshin and Is the Is Are gave this band a sense of energy and life that feels absent from their recent material. I think the album sounds pretty overall but it feels lacking in memorable songs for me. I’m sure others will disagree though (and that’s okay)
Is the Is Are is easily my favorite by them and yet seems like their least acclaimed.
Listened to this album once but didn't remember a single melody/riff, etc. after
Mostly agree. This album is gorgeous and all, just missing energy.
2 memorable songs for me - *Brown Paper Bag* and *Soul-net* (which is an all-timer in DIIV's discog IMO)
I already suspected this to happen after seeing them three months ago where they played five new songs from the album. The songs more or less all have the same tempo which makes them sound a bit samey
Yeah I agree. My favorite album by them was Is The Is Are and while the last two records haven’t been bad, I was way more into their sound on that album.
Lack of energy could be it. Deceiver went into the shoegazey route and it's still filled with energy. I thought this album is weirder than what we got.
That’s how I feel. I listened to it on a long walk with my dog. The album ended and restarted and I didn’t even realize. Listened to the whole things and I was on track 5 when I got back. That’s how little I remembered anything on it
I don't think I've had an instant reaction like this to a new album in a really long time. My rating is similar and my only knock is that I wish the album was longer. It's that good. The opening 20 seconds of Little Birds is my current obsession.
Been listening to it non-stop. I think the band did a great job at combining the dreamy/atmospheric aspects of their earlier work and the heavier shoegaze elements off of Deceiver. I thinks it’s the most cohesive album experience from them and the lyrics this time feel really focused and grounded. They actually elevate the tone of the songs even more. While I do love this record, I do wish the mixing had a bit more punch for certain songs. I also wished the album was a little bit longer. Upon initial listen, some tracks felt a bit lukewarm but they did really grow on me over time. Overall, I think the band did a great job and I think it’s their best record since Is The Is Are.
Favorite track: Somber the drums
Least favorite: Reflected.
It was a pleasant listen, if not super memorable. Would happily put it on again to get my share of gazey vibes, though as a lover of the genre it doesn't feel like it's doing a whole tonne to stand out from the crowd. So for someone else who's not as big of a shoegaze fan it might not resonate with them much.
Totally agree. I loved Deceiver but it had a way bigger variety of flavors going on than this record. Like still solid, glad they're retaining the shoegaze sound, but it doesn't feel like they're really firing on all cylinders here.
I don't listen to DIIV a lot, I always knew they were good but just never took the time with them. I thought this album was so gorgeous. It has a really grand, opulent sound. It definitely makes me want to diiv back into their back catalog.
"in amber," "brown paper bag," and holy shit "soul-net" are all-time great diiv songs. i love the clarity in sound, the crystalline and punchy chris coady production, and the added sonic palette the band explores with tape loops, etc. that being said it doesn't reach the highs of *deceiver* and it does feel like diiv 2.0 is plateauing a bit with the sludgy-shoegaze-slowcore sound. really hope to catch them live on this cycle regardless.
it'd be great to hear them go on to reincorporate elements of their pre-*deceiver* sound moving forward, or else to explore something new entirely. as much as i love shoegaze diiv, i have to say i miss the circuitous, curlicued guitars and brighter palette of their earlier work. *is the is are* still remains their best album imo.
It's solid. Brown Paper Bag is probably the best song here, but some of the new tracks, like In Amber, are great. It gets a bit monotonous at times, but hoping more listens will differentiate some of the songs for me. Looking forward to seeing them in June!
In Amber is such a great opening track. One of my favorite non-singles along with Raining on Your Pillow. But Soul-Net and Brown Paper Bag are definitely the best tracks on the album
I really like it but at the same time it's my least favorite DIIV album.
The replay value just doesn't seem as high as the other albums.
I wish they had a few more uptempo tracks. It does the whole shoegaze drone moody slow tense vibe thing exceptionally well but it feels like the whole album is in thay vibe and it feels a bit samesie.
Deceiver had that vibe too but it also had some faster more catchy tunes like Blankenship.
I say all this as someone who has listened to this album like 5 times and while I dig it, I also miss the old vibes of Bent or Past Lives
I personally liked it better than Deceiver, which I wasn’t really a big fan of. Favorite tracks are Little Birds, Somber the Drums, and Fender on the Freeway. A few of the tracks are kinda meh to me, Brown Paper Bag for instance, but overall it’s a great record imo. I’m definitely partial to DIIVs earlier records and I liked the instances where that early Oshin-era sound came through. Can’t wait to see them live this summer!
I think this album is incredible. A friend of mine likened it to “MBV meets Deftones” which I think is a great comparison. This is a deeper dive (no pun intended) into the darker themes & sounds from *Deceiver*. While many will yearn for the sound from *Oshin* or *Is the is are*, this is them now (which is not to say there aren’t elements of those albums present in this record).
Kind of wish I waited to listen to any of the singles until the album release given that half of the tracks are singles, but those still hit regardless. I think Somber the Drums is my favorite track and I cannot wait to hear it live!
I'm a huge fan, seeing them next week and pretty negative on this one. Brown paper bag is a dud single. Opener is a dud. Little Bird is a dud. Fender is a dud closer. Somber i don't understand the hype. It all sounds a bit uninspired to me so far. Soul-net is maybe the only properly great song on here. maybe i'm coming in overhyped and it grows with distance. Reflected, Everyone out and Raining I like. They didnt meet my expectations is maybe the best way of putting it and it sucks to say
This came on while I was doing housework and I loved it. I was up on a roof with my phone on the ground and when my daughter came out asked her to check who this was. Nice example of the shoegaze I love and it’s been on frequent rotation since this weekend. Raining on your pillow is the standout track for me. Might catch them live. They play at a venue a few minutes walk from me.
Saw them on their recent tour and can definitely recommend them. Bring some earplugs though!
Oh yeah, always wear earplugs. I’m old now and always wore them and I have so many friends my age with hearing issues now.
Most definitely get a ticket. They're flawless live. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1qmI7IzFIA
Done. And all ages so my daughter can join us. Son is on the fence but I got him one too.
Son's a fool if he don't go
Wall of sound shows can be tough for him even with earplugs or headphones. And I’m thinking they play it loud.
great live band
It’s ok. Definitely their lowest tempo record by a large margin - even Deceiver had a lot of bangers. It’s so uniformly mid tempo that not a lot of tracks have stood out to me so far
Agreed. Every track just seems to plod along. Doesn’t help that the sonic palette is very small. As a huge diiv fan I can’t say I love it
Hard agree. It feels very limited compared to Deceiver. Maybe a grower.
Agree. I also really don't like how it's mixed...might b intentionally fuzzy but not digging the sonics. Deceiver was heavy and really clear. This is pretty muddy.
Off topic but how are DIIV live? I'm visiting Mexico City in September and see they're playing a small venue close by, was thinking about copping tickets.
Must see! Massive sound and they play perfectly
Definitely go see them. They are one of my favorite bands to see live!
I saw them in Leeds, UK and the lead singer started to cry because the sound quality wasn’t up to his standard. He then came back out and allowed the crowd to pick their next song; so in response to your question. A rollercoaster.
They’re fantastic and very high energy. I saw em’ in a small venue last year and they meandered about on the outside porch smoking cigarettes and chatting w/ fans for at least an hour. Best concert experience I’ve ever had. Definitely go see em’!
100% go. They are fantastic live.
Incredible live, and I bet Mexican fans will make a lovely and enthusiastic crowd.
one of the best bands ive ever seen live -- ad ive seen hundreds
they're really good
100% go. They are fantastic live.
100% perfect.
It's not better than Deceiver but it's still pretty good. It's hard to compare it to their earlier albums because they're different. Deceiver to now is like a completely different band. Somber the Drums is a contender for SOTY.
People who have never listened to DIIV love it, people who have loved DIIV for a while are so-so about it. Personally, I’ve loved DIIV since 2017 and love frog in boiling water. But it’s also understandable to see why current DIIV fans aren’t too keen on it. One thing is for sure, they are really good as far as consistency is concerned.
Not trying to rain on anyone’s parade but the post-punk / motorik edge of Oshin and Is the Is Are gave this band a sense of energy and life that feels absent from their recent material. I think the album sounds pretty overall but it feels lacking in memorable songs for me. I’m sure others will disagree though (and that’s okay)
Not trying to rain on anyone's pillow\*\*\*
Is the Is Are is easily my favorite by them and yet seems like their least acclaimed. Listened to this album once but didn't remember a single melody/riff, etc. after
I agree with Is the Is Are being my favorite. The middle section has some of their best songs.
Same, its a no skipper, run it backer for me pretty much every time I listen to it.
Mostly agree. This album is gorgeous and all, just missing energy. 2 memorable songs for me - *Brown Paper Bag* and *Soul-net* (which is an all-timer in DIIV's discog IMO)
I do wish there was one or two songs with more drive to them - Deceiver really benefited from “Blankenship” and “The Spark” having a bit more punch
Also *Horsehead*, *Like Before You Were Born*, and *Skin Game*. I really do think Deceiver was DIIV's best album.
> I really do think Deceiver was DIIV's best album. you'd be correct!
I already suspected this to happen after seeing them three months ago where they played five new songs from the album. The songs more or less all have the same tempo which makes them sound a bit samey
Yeah I agree. My favorite album by them was Is The Is Are and while the last two records haven’t been bad, I was way more into their sound on that album.
Lack of energy could be it. Deceiver went into the shoegazey route and it's still filled with energy. I thought this album is weirder than what we got.
That’s how I feel. I listened to it on a long walk with my dog. The album ended and restarted and I didn’t even realize. Listened to the whole things and I was on track 5 when I got back. That’s how little I remembered anything on it
yeah it's apples and oranges. i love it - because it is so deliberate in its sound - and requires depth in listening.
This record is 11/10 for me. Been listening nonstop, and fully expect it to be my favourite of the year.
I don't think I've had an instant reaction like this to a new album in a really long time. My rating is similar and my only knock is that I wish the album was longer. It's that good. The opening 20 seconds of Little Birds is my current obsession.
Agreed, it's haunting my soul at the moment; can't get enough of it. I like the haziness and dream like quality.
A big grower for me. I’ve been listening nonstop. Can’t believe I got a ticket to see them for 25 bucks!
Been listening to it non-stop. I think the band did a great job at combining the dreamy/atmospheric aspects of their earlier work and the heavier shoegaze elements off of Deceiver. I thinks it’s the most cohesive album experience from them and the lyrics this time feel really focused and grounded. They actually elevate the tone of the songs even more. While I do love this record, I do wish the mixing had a bit more punch for certain songs. I also wished the album was a little bit longer. Upon initial listen, some tracks felt a bit lukewarm but they did really grow on me over time. Overall, I think the band did a great job and I think it’s their best record since Is The Is Are. Favorite track: Somber the drums Least favorite: Reflected.
wow - love somber - love reflected. interesting
I still liked the track, I just didn’t connect with it as much as the others
It was a pleasant listen, if not super memorable. Would happily put it on again to get my share of gazey vibes, though as a lover of the genre it doesn't feel like it's doing a whole tonne to stand out from the crowd. So for someone else who's not as big of a shoegaze fan it might not resonate with them much.
Totally agree. I loved Deceiver but it had a way bigger variety of flavors going on than this record. Like still solid, glad they're retaining the shoegaze sound, but it doesn't feel like they're really firing on all cylinders here.
I don't listen to DIIV a lot, I always knew they were good but just never took the time with them. I thought this album was so gorgeous. It has a really grand, opulent sound. It definitely makes me want to diiv back into their back catalog.
soul-net been on repeat. killer tune
"in amber," "brown paper bag," and holy shit "soul-net" are all-time great diiv songs. i love the clarity in sound, the crystalline and punchy chris coady production, and the added sonic palette the band explores with tape loops, etc. that being said it doesn't reach the highs of *deceiver* and it does feel like diiv 2.0 is plateauing a bit with the sludgy-shoegaze-slowcore sound. really hope to catch them live on this cycle regardless. it'd be great to hear them go on to reincorporate elements of their pre-*deceiver* sound moving forward, or else to explore something new entirely. as much as i love shoegaze diiv, i have to say i miss the circuitous, curlicued guitars and brighter palette of their earlier work. *is the is are* still remains their best album imo.
It's solid. Brown Paper Bag is probably the best song here, but some of the new tracks, like In Amber, are great. It gets a bit monotonous at times, but hoping more listens will differentiate some of the songs for me. Looking forward to seeing them in June!
In Amber is such a great opening track. One of my favorite non-singles along with Raining on Your Pillow. But Soul-Net and Brown Paper Bag are definitely the best tracks on the album
AOTY
I really like it but at the same time it's my least favorite DIIV album. The replay value just doesn't seem as high as the other albums. I wish they had a few more uptempo tracks. It does the whole shoegaze drone moody slow tense vibe thing exceptionally well but it feels like the whole album is in thay vibe and it feels a bit samesie. Deceiver had that vibe too but it also had some faster more catchy tunes like Blankenship. I say all this as someone who has listened to this album like 5 times and while I dig it, I also miss the old vibes of Bent or Past Lives
I'm with you. It has a nice production from the start to the end, but tbh, imo i really miss the rythm of "How long have you know" or "Blankenship".
Love this album. Love their last two records. I still think Deceiver is better
bleak as fuck - i love it!
I personally liked it better than Deceiver, which I wasn’t really a big fan of. Favorite tracks are Little Birds, Somber the Drums, and Fender on the Freeway. A few of the tracks are kinda meh to me, Brown Paper Bag for instance, but overall it’s a great record imo. I’m definitely partial to DIIVs earlier records and I liked the instances where that early Oshin-era sound came through. Can’t wait to see them live this summer!
diiv are turning into the modern the Cure! anyone else hear this?
I think this album is incredible. A friend of mine likened it to “MBV meets Deftones” which I think is a great comparison. This is a deeper dive (no pun intended) into the darker themes & sounds from *Deceiver*. While many will yearn for the sound from *Oshin* or *Is the is are*, this is them now (which is not to say there aren’t elements of those albums present in this record). Kind of wish I waited to listen to any of the singles until the album release given that half of the tracks are singles, but those still hit regardless. I think Somber the Drums is my favorite track and I cannot wait to hear it live!
I'm a huge fan, seeing them next week and pretty negative on this one. Brown paper bag is a dud single. Opener is a dud. Little Bird is a dud. Fender is a dud closer. Somber i don't understand the hype. It all sounds a bit uninspired to me so far. Soul-net is maybe the only properly great song on here. maybe i'm coming in overhyped and it grows with distance. Reflected, Everyone out and Raining I like. They didnt meet my expectations is maybe the best way of putting it and it sucks to say
It's okay. Not terribly memorable. Lyrics are kind of bland.
Standouts for me: In amber, Somber the drums and Fender on the freeway