DIIV – Oshin
While the band DIIV changed their name from Dive, they retained their knack for skilfully crafting beautiful dream pop/shoegaze/indie tunes.
The LP diversifies itself into three blended sounds and does it in a very well-crafted manner. As soon as the first track ‘(Druun)’ starts, you know you’re in for a ride when it enters with thumping drums, light but noticeable guitar and thundering bass, which shifts the track up a gear and doesn’t waste any time in beginning the immersive experience that is Oshin.
‘Past Lives’ is a very excitable, energetic track, filled with synths and jangly guitar melodies. Even if you can barely hear and understand the lyrics, they exude this feeling and vibe, which fits the track very well. ‘How Long Have You Known’ could perhaps be described as the quintessential track on the album, filling every quota for each instrument, coming together like a perfect scene in a film or a gorgeous landscape.
Not that it means much to the song’s beauty, but you can actually hear the lyrics clearly. “How long have you known?” sighs frontman Z Cole Smith’s exuberant vocal, “and how long has it shown? Forever, if ever.”
Every single track on Oshin is a breath-taking experience, meaning that you can’t simply skim over one track and feel good about yourself. All of the music is accessible, light and dreamy, and the music sometimes echoes Disintegration-era The Cure. ‘Follow’ is a track that really echoes this statement — it’s just missing the patented Robert Smith vocal delivery.
Overall, the album shines brilliantly throughout. In every niche of every song, there’s something brilliant — from the splashy cymbals to the swirling guitars, harmonious vocals and the booming bass. DIIV has made an album that evokes styles that combine together to create a euphonious harmony.
