Is The Is Are

Is The Is Are- Album Overview

"Is The Is Are," released in 2016, is the sophomore album by the American indie rock band Diiv. Following their critically acclaimed debut, "Oshin," the album showcases a maturation in their sound while retaining the dreamy, reverb-laden aesthetics that defined their earlier work. Released through Captured Tracks, the album was produced by the band's frontman, Zachary Cole Smith, alongside co-producer and band member Andrew Bailey. The recording process was marked by challenges, including Smith's struggles with personal issues, which seeped into the album's thematic content.

The album includes notable tracks such as "Dopamine," "Under the Sun," and "Blue Boredom," each exemplifying Diiv's ability to blend ethereal soundscapes with introspective lyrics. The singles "Dopamine" and "Blue Boredom" received significant airplay and contributed to the album's reception, which was generally positive despite the band's tumultuous image due to Smith's public struggles. Musically, "Is The Is Are" expands on the band's shoegaze influences, incorporating elements of jangle pop and ambient music, thus placing them within the broader context of the 2010s indie rock scene. The album's artwork, featuring a hazy, dreamlike aesthetic, mirrors the sound's introspective nature, further solidifying its cultural significance as a reflection of both personal and artistic growth.

Review

"Is The Is Are" stands as a testament to Diiv's evolution as artists. The album's sound oscillates between hypnotic melodies and darker undertones, showcasing a range of emotions that reflect both vulnerability and resilience. Tracks like "Dopamine" feature layered guitars and lush production that create an immersive listening experience, while lyrics often delve into themes of addiction and self-reflection. The juxtaposition of bright, shimmering instrumentation against melancholic lyrics creates a poignant tension that is both relatable and haunting.