DIIV

It didn't take long for Dive to pop up on the radar screen after the release of songs like "Sometime" and "How Long Have You Known?", and if you've heard these tracks, you're given a pretty solid idea of what their new album Oshin is all about.  What was also new was their name, which was changed to DIIV before the LP's official release.  In any case, the name change didn't effect the quality of their music; beautiful, guitar-driven summer beach pop.  Much like the styles of Beach Fossils and Real Estate, the calming riffs instill an aura of relaxation, like there isn't a care in the world.  Oshin excels at putting the listener directly in this environment, as they've created a streamlined, consistent, and embodied setting for the ears.  The record contains enough variety throughout the tracklist though to keep people interested.  "(Druun)" is an instrumental ballad that sounds like the opening to a Bruce Springsteen anthem, "Air Conditioning" contains an edgier, biting guitar hook, and "Wait" is driven by its ethereal, hypnotic nature.  The album as a whole goes down really smooth, and it's definitely one of my favorites that I've heard come out so far this year.  Once I get my record player back, I'm pretty certain this will constitute a vinyl purchase.  To get a taste of their dreamier facade, I've posted "Wait" below for your listening pleasure.  Now go listen to the rest of it!  You won't regret it.

Wait