DIIV’s album “Is the Is Are” is a soundtrack to struggle and to self-healing.

Allegra Papera

Staff Writer

DIIV shows its matured artistry with sophomore album “Is the Is Are” which showcases the band’s ability to create a thoroughly satisfying dream pop record with both strong lyrics and musical composition.

DIIV is a rock band from Brooklyn formed by musician and model Zachary Cole Smith in 2011. Its current lineup consists of Smith on vocals and guitar, Andrew Bailey on guitar, Devin Perez on bass, Colin Caulfield on keyboard and guitar, and Ben Newman on drums.

The band released its premier album “Oshin” in 2012, spending the following years touring and writing songs, while Smith dealt with his 2013 arrest due to heroin possession. After fans’ four years of waiting, DIIV finally released its follow-up record.

DIIV incorporates both poignant and optimistic lyrics that seem touch upon Smith’s own struggles and hopes. “Is the Is Are”’s third track, “Bent” includes lyrics, “I can’t shake the terror of my life fleeting, minute by minute/Even when I can’t imagine another day waking up in it”, honestly exposing feelings that might come with a struggle for sanity. The album’s first track, “Out of Mind” features lyrics that comfort listeners with another more hopeful perspective that discusses the idea that eventually, a person’s troubles will fade away.  

“Is the Is Are” also provides vocal variety by including Smith’s girlfriend and singer, Sky Ferreira on “Blue Boredom.” Ferreira took over the vocals on this track, coolly singing nonsense lyrics over some of the album’s darkest guitar tones.

Musically, “Is The Is Are”’s songs successfully combine guitars and drumming to create a consistently dreamy sound throughout the entire album. Certain tracks including “Valentine” feature subtle noises from chirping birds to the sounds of rushing water to create the sense of being immersed a whimsical fantasy world for listeners.

The record mainly includes the sounds of a gloomy state of imagination, like something between a daydream and a nightmare, making for an exciting listening experience. This helps to balance out the album and provide enjoyable music for various audiences.

However consistent, the album’s lulling music does become overly repetitive, making it seem as though all seventeen tracks blend into one. The guitar playing is almost too polished and crisp, making the record’s music seem less personal, distancing itself from listeners.

Despite its flaws, DIIV’s “Is the Is Are” is a strong follow-up album, surpassing the quality of its premier. The album’s strongly personal lyrics combined well with its less personal music, balancing to create an overall well-rounded record.

“Is the Is Are” was released on February 5th and is available for purchase on iTunes for $9.99.