As if the cover art would have a relation to the title, DIIV’s Deceiver is a frequent mountain of sound that has both peaks and valleys. The peaks come from when the record is firing on all four-cylinders of members that split the work in this progressive 25 to each, and the valleys come exactly when the record reaches the end. Deceiver is a positive step forward for the band and is frankly, quite a gorgeous display on a snow-filled day.

DIIV jumps into the arms of the listener as this calming therapy animal that can show outbreak in the past. As they step into this new light on Deceiver, DIIV instead opts to become more approachable and relaxed as a group. It is the opening of “Horsehead” that sculpts a scene or revival rather than breaking down, a rebirth over additional layers. It is still DIIV in the flesh, but the bone and foundation have been scraped to uncover a fresh coat of sullen paint.

The performance of Zachary Cole Smith as the lead vocals and guitar still shine through with this dreamy gloss as Andrew Bailey on guitar works alongside toward bending beauty. Colin Caulfield on vocals and bass aligns with Ben Newman on the percussion aspect to construct these rhythmic grooves and grinds that might be one of the highest standouts for the record. Each track that marches down the pipeline is so memorable for the entire instrumental duration and adding the vocals in only further cements the idea of praise.

With “Between Tides,” DIIV takes the opportunity of this track to plan out a strategic use of tension that covers through these false builds and powers that are incredibly soft in design. There is no real aggression featured on Deceiver, which is a welcome step away from their past releases which would feature some raging tracks thrown into the mix. This record feels more like a solid piece of marble which is sculpted to look like DIIV rather than various pieces fitting together as if it was a puzzle.

When the dust finally settles and DIIV is under the impression of forming one last gleam of light into the now broken night, they roll off with “Acheron” which is both the longest and most vivid of all the tracks present. The way that DIIV incorporates these immaculate sludge walk-ups which then turn into louder runs and jumps is a blast of energy that the record sends away with. “Acheron” is one final jam session with amps turned up to 11 that highlights some of the musical ability and style that DIIV truly holds under their now decorated belt.

Deceiver is seemingly easy to get a hand on but is deeper with enigmas built in around the way that the record was made. Each track is closely related, but it still is impossible to picture as different keys fitting together but it manages to work better towards the end of the record rather than the beginning. As the fragmented art stares back at the listener and continues to shapeshift, DIIV stands as quiet monuments to sound manipulation and reflect that image perfectly.

Listen To Deceiver Here!!! – BandCamp/Spotify/Amazon/iTunes