iDKHOW - ‘GLOOM DIVISION’ review
iDKHOW by MANIC PROJECT
The sophomore album from I DON’T KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME (iDKHOW), GLOOM DIVISION is an introspective musical journey full of fun.
The follow-up to the 2020 debut Razzmatazz, by the Salt Lake City-based mind behind the album Dallon Weekes, is a bright and uplifting instalment into iDKHOW’s discography. Following the exit of collaborator Ryan Seaman, Weekes takes charge in this slick and stylish release. GLOOM DIVISION explores topics including love, sex, and society through the theatrical and often impulsive lens of the multitalented Weekes.
The frenetic and playful mood of the album is unmistakable from opening track ‘DOWNSIDE’. Which addresses issues surrounding idealisation within relationships. The sound from the ex-Panic! At the Disco member is familiar but possesses more depth and interest than many of the tracks Weekes spearheaded during his time with the band.
Throughout GLOOM DIVISION, lyrics are tongue in cheek, as seen in second track ‘GLOOMTOWN BRATS’ in which Weekes provides a scathing criticism of modern privilege alongside a relentlessly funky baseline. Many of the tracks pair the earnestness of Weekes’ journey of self-discovery with sardonic dark humour, packaged in 80s disco revival with a familiar emo edge. ‘INFACTUTATION’ and ‘WHAT LOVE?’ maintain the 80s groove but stay light and airy. The pace is switched up in ‘SPKOTHDVL’, the thundering baseline and chaotic arrangement is much more reminiscent of iDKHOW’s previous offerings and decidedly pop punk. The album doesn’t return to anything as rocky until ‘SATANIC PANIC’ which has Weekes channelling early Killers Brandon Flowers in his vocals as he reflects on his childhood and the particular moral hysteria that infiltrated the American consciousness in the 1980s.
Much of the album is more electronically focused with a wealth of synths and plenty of interesting samples scattered throughout. GLOOM DIVISION switches between light bops and more anthemic songs with ease. The album remains sonically interesting throughout with no track seeming too out of place. ‘SUNNYSIDE’ featuring British indie pop artist Will Joseph Cook is bright and sunny (as the title might suggest). In contrast, closing track ‘iDIOTS OF Oz’ is a celebratory glam rock gem exploring Weekes’ own revelations following his recent neurodivergent diagnosis.
GLOOM DIVISION keeps you dancing all the way through. Expertly crafted and excellently produced, iDKHOW’s second album is a sonic wonderland, irresistibly catchy without feeling too samey track to track. There is a feeling that despite the fullness of the album, Weekes is barely scratching the surface of his creative and technical ability, that iDKHOW can just keep on giving – and one can only hope they do.
GLOOM DIVISION from iDKHOW is out now via Concord Records and available on all good streaming platforms. You can catch iDKHOW on tour across the UK/EU this summer.
