DIIV Return With Skin Game and Announce Third Record

By: Sun Noor

Following the release of their sophomore record Is The Is Are, back in 2016 the Captured Tracks signees have finally announced the details of their upcoming third studio album titled, Deceiver.

Album artwork for Deceiver

DIIV released the first single of the record, “Skin Game,” which presents itself as preview of what to expect from the record. Interestingly, this track marks their first release since 2016 as well as their new beginnings as now a four piece. The band’s current lineup consists of frontman Zachary Cole Smith, guitarists Andrew Bailey and Colin Caulfield as well as drummer Ben Newman.

The track is characterized by its melodic and overlapping guitar riffs and subtle percussion elements which all compliment frontman Zachary Cole Smith’s vocals. The track commences with a hazy, distorted riff which fades into another guitar driven, reverberant melody doesn’t overpower Smith’s vocals as the majority of their shoegazey songs, which is quite the interesting change. This number appears to be reference personal struggles, which most likely is a central theme with this record. Smith has been quite open about his struggles with regards to addiction and journey to sobriety over the past couple of years. Smith utters “Fighting to get through the door, but I can’t live like this anymore,” which alludes to the difficulty endured towards recovery. Perhaps the remaining songs of the record will take on the same tone, which would be quite interesting.

Stream “Skin Game” below:

https://open.spotify.com/album/3Vg9mkJSyq18e3ASkYfGaU?nd=1

DIIV are due to embark on a North American tour this fall kicking things off at this year’s edition of Desert Daze festival on October 11th and will culminate this leg in Sonoma on December 15. Click here to view the band’s complete tour dates and purchase tickets.

Header photo by Coley Brown