Is the Is Are
by DIIV
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
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  1. Q Magazine
    Feb 4, 2016
    60
    Over 17 similarly sounding tracks it becomes slightly more soporific. [Mar 2016, p.109]
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  2. The Skinny
    Jan 29, 2016
    60
    Repeat visits are sure to unearth more of the band’s thought process, but there's a lingering sense that less could've been so much more.
  3. Consequence
    Feb 4, 2016
    58
    It’s an overstuffed, yet often enthralling record by a band revealing depths that weren’t as apparent before.
  5. Pretty Much Amazing
    Jan 29, 2016
    58
    Is the Is Are is certainly honest, but it could use a little more optimism, and the music’s circuitousness only adds to the feeling that a single issue is being poked and prodded to exhaustion.
  6. Clash Music
    Feb 8, 2016
    50
    While sweetened by a potent handful of emphatic guitar romps, DIIV’s latest record quickly overstays its welcome, and ultimately would do well to be remembered as more than just a watered-down collection of indie rock songs.
  7. Uncut
    Jan 29, 2016
    50
    The Brooklyn five-piece's second record resembles an ordinary collection of pebbles--unlike their early sea-washed gems. [Mar 2016, p.73]
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  8. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Feb 4, 2016
    40
    Is the Is Are, like its title, conjures up a nothingness that is suffocating, especially coupled with the way that the band sells this music as if it were some kind of spiritual exercise.
  9. PopMatters
    Feb 1, 2016
    40
    At its best, Is the Is Are is a fine album with plenty of immediate pleasures to offer. However, digging deeper won’t unveil anything really tangible.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 52 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 41 out of 52
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 52
  3. Negative: 5 out of 52
  1. surf1ngthevoid
    Nov 15, 2020
    8
    DIIV second full-length finds a band moving forward meanwhile trying to keep in contact with their roots. With songs that may not be soDIIV second full-length finds a band moving forward meanwhile trying to keep in contact with their roots. With songs that may not be so "memorable" into the first listens; the more you are into it, the more you want to come back to each one.… Full Review »
  2. cnally13
    Feb 23, 2016
    9
    Can't believe the lukewarm response. They're students of the Doug Martsch school of guitar, really perfecting that woozy guitar lick. It'sCan't believe the lukewarm response. They're students of the Doug Martsch school of guitar, really perfecting that woozy guitar lick. It's dizzy and cocksure. Very rarely boring even though it's mostly a shoegaze revival album. Lyrical content is belied by the lazy-sounding melodies, which is great since you have to uncover the meaning instead of it being delivered straight to you. Highly recommended… Full Review »
  3. diegonelli
    Feb 16, 2016
    7
    After years, DIIV final comeback. Nothing changed comparing it to Oshin, but I still like this album. My favorite song is definitely BlueAfter years, DIIV final comeback. Nothing changed comparing it to Oshin, but I still like this album. My favorite song is definitely Blue Boredom, Sky vocals are really good. Dopamine is a good song also.… Full Review »
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