iDKHOW announce ‘Gloom Division’, release lead single ‘WHAT LOVE?’
The first single from the sophomore record sees the iDKHOW frontman at peak creativity.
Photo: MANIC PROJECT
Three years after their debut album Razzmatazz, I DON’T KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME (iDKHOW for short, as confirmed by the band), are set to release a sophomore album, Gloom Division, in the February of 2024. The album announcement was preceded by the teasing and announcement of the record’s lead single, WHAT LOVE?.
Gloom Division will be the first album released as a solo project of frontman Dallon Weekes, as former drummer Ryan Seaman’s departure was announced via social media in the weeks before the single was released. Following the announcement, a song was teased via social media posts before a semi-formal announcement on 28 September. WHAT LOVE? premiered on SiriusXM’s Alt Nation on October 4th before the song and music video were released the following day. While accidentally revealed via the pre-save link, the album was formally announced the same day as the music video. It is the first iDKHOW record on its new label, Concord Records.
WHAT LOVE?, produced by renowned alternative and indie producer Dave Fridmann, is sonically reminiscent of the R&B and pop of yesteryear while keeping a modern glossiness. It’s akin to the likes of George Michael, Prince, and the grooviness of Culture Club, fused with a technological sheen. Lyrically exploring the themes of toxic love, lust, and perhaps religious guilt in relation to it, the song is best described within itself; “an overture of sexual perversity”. Its panache is intentional; it’s meant to be enjoyed for what it is with all its allure. Accompanied by a colourful music video that feels like an endless, cryptic, sci-fi Barbie dreamhouse come to life, it’s evident that the playfulness of the song carried into the visual aspect of its rollout.
While it contains lore-based elements from previous record Razzmatazz, Gloom Division is a whole new experience. The old-school inspirations are still present; however, they still maintain a freshness that is uniquely iDKHOW. It’s a turning page in many ways, but one that opens the door to exciting avenues.
Gloom Division will be released February 23rd via Concord Records.