Diiv is a shoegaze band to believe in

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As a seasoned rock music critic with a background of personal experiences in the industry, I have had the privilege of witnessing many bands evolve over time. Among them, Diiv stands out as a unique case that embodies the complexities and triumphs of creative collaboration.

Just two days prior to kicking off their first show on a major theater tour, members of the rock band Diiv gather around a picnic table in the Burbank rehearsal studio parking lot, sharing memories of the arena concerts they had opened for Depeche Mode towards the end of last year.

In their conversations, people mention the flashy jackets that frontman Dave Gahan donned onstage, which he later removed. They also discuss the energetic dance moves he showcased nightly on a runway. Furthermore, they reminisce about the self-assurance they gained from performing in front of large crowds who hadn’t initially come to see Diiv, yet were potential fans waiting to be captivated by an impressive performance.

Additionally: Guitarist Andrew Bailey reminisces, “I really miss those catering spreads,” with a wistful tone, almost transported back to the endless rows of chafing dishes.

Diiv, minus many luxuries typically enjoyed by A-list rock stars, embarks on tour for their latest album “Frog in Boiling Water.” Kicking off in early June, they’ll perform at the Wiltern in Los Angeles – essentially their hometown given that three out of four band members relocated here from New York a few years ago – this coming Saturday night.

Despite being in their mid to late 30s, the musicians show no sign of losing enthusiasm for performing their latest tunes. They proudly assert that the music represents their deep dedication to the band, as bassist Colin Caulfield explains, “We’ve built our lives around this group.” With a touch of humor, Caulfield adds, “No one can compete with our retirement savings in this business.”

Diiv’s commitment is justified. Among the group’s four LPs, “Frog in Boiling Water” stands out as the most remarkable. This record is not only the best rock album released this year but also a rich and extravagant compilation of catchy post-shoegaze guitar tracks. The songs, such as “Brown Paper Bag” and “Raining on Your Pillow,” effortlessly blend into the current shoegaze resurgence on TikTok, which has reintroduced bands from the 1980s and ’90s like My Bloody Valentine and Slowdive to a new audience. Diiv’s music is characterized by its thick layers of fuzz and trippy, rhythmic beats. Despite being noisy and introspective, these bands are also known for their depth and sensitivity. However, Diiv sets themselves apart with stronger songwriting abilities than what you might find in the popular shoegaze playlists on streaming platforms like Spotify.

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In the realm of shoegaze music, as expressed by Jasamine White-Gluz of Montreal’s No Joy, who have shared stages with Diiv, there is a prevalent trend of imitating past achievements. Consequently, artists are often seen as attempting to recreate “Loveless” by MBV or “Souvlaki” by Slowdive. In other words, they’re striving to fit within the established shoegaze genre. However, Diiv sets themselves apart. Though they remain part of this genre, they broaden its boundaries with their unique sound.

The unique aspect of “Frog in Boiling Water” lies in the politically charged lyrics penned by singer Zachary Cole Smith. He reflects on the ruthlessness of late-stage capitalism and the deceptions of the military-industrial complex, topics he was compelled to explore following the birth of his first child approximately a year ago. (It’s noteworthy that these themes can be comprehended at all, given that in many shoegaze songs, vocals function as an additional layer of music rather than clear communication.)

As a devoted cinema-goer, I’d put it this way: “I believe there’s a glimmer of optimism in the film, despite the overwhelming signs pointing to an imminent disaster.”

Despite being optimistic or not, the new album by Smith signifies his attempt to shift his focus from his internal struggles, which have been a recurring theme in Diiv’s previous work. Back in 2013, Smith was apprehended in New York alongside his then-partner, singer Sky Ferreira, for carrying heroin. He bared all about his addiction and rehabilitation process in Diiv’s “Is the Is Are” (2016) and “Deceiver” (2019). Smith expressed his intention behind “Deceiver,” stating that he wanted it to clear out some of the baggage, enabling them to explore new themes in their music.

In a recent Pitchfork review of “Frog in Boiling Water,” Smith pondered if he’d earned the freedom from criticism that comes with artistic growth. On X, a popular indie-rock forum, Smith expressed disappointment over fans’ reluctance to accept him as the evolved artist he’s strived to be for eight years. He further voiced his frustration towards bandmate Ben Newman and other members, who continue to face scrutiny based on their past experiences that are not of their own making (the review mentioned Smith’s arrest at its beginning).

Smith reflects in Burbank, “I can’t control when others bring up past events in my life.” He continues, “Leaving out the subsequent chapters and how these experiences shaped me is a harmful perspective for those in recovery. It’s disheartening to imagine someone battling addiction seeing this and feeling hopelessly stuck as a destructive force.” Instead, Smith emphasizes, “People have the power to transform significantly.”

Zachary Cole Smith of Diiv
(Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)

As a movie lover, I’d describe it like this: In Smith’s past, the creative process of Diiv was undeniably shaped by him alone. Reflecting on those early days, he acknowledges his former self as being overly self-centered and driven by ego in an unsustainable way, which is something he now regrets. His journey towards recovery, however, has made him yearn for a different approach: “I no longer wish to dominate the creative process,” he confesses, and instead, he’s embracing the collaborative spirit, learning from acts such as Sonic Youth, where multiple people hold controlling roles.

Chris Coady, who is renowned for his production work with TV on the Radio and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, shares his perspective: “I believe that involving everyone in the band made ‘Frog in Boiling Water’ exceptional.” He chuckles as he continues, “From a producer’s standpoint, it was quite challenging. Reaching consensus among all four band members meant lengthy sessions at my northeast L.A. studio.” However, he appreciates their diverse talents, explaining that this collaborative approach allowed them to harmoniously blend their skills in an impressive way.

As a movie reviewer, I’d put it this way: Sharing the investment in Diiv’s latest project, “Frog in Boiling Water,” has given us band members a renewed sense of purpose and creativity. After enduring a prolonged period of chaos, this collective belief that we’ve reached new artistic heights has provided an essential boost to our spirits. It’s true that the music industry has become more uncertain than ever before, but the shared passion and dedication within Diiv keeps us afloat and motivated.

Smith comments as he goes back into rehearsal, “We’ve put all our hopes on this one thing – it’s both terrifying and exhilarating.”

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2024-07-18 20:57