DIIV share hook-laden single ‘Dare Me’ and announce massive 2027 world tour

Los Angeles-based shoegaze outfit DIIV have introduced their latest single, ‘Dare Me’, marking a significant addition to the rollout of their fifth studio album, ‘ZIRP!’. Released through Fantasy Recordings on October 30, 2024, the track encapsulates the band’s signature ethereal guitar sound while exploring themes of hope and renewal amid societal challenges, as reported by nme.com.

‘Dare Me’ follows a series of pre-album singles including ‘Trillions’, ‘Kid’, and ‘The Fountain’, collectively setting the stage for the band’s most ambitious and politically charged project to date. The new release was accompanied by a visual component directed by Louie Kovatch, further accentuating the song's contemplative mood.

Produced by A. G. Cook, renowned for his collaborations with artists like Charli XCX and Caroline Polachek, ‘ZIRP!’ represents a sonic evolution for DIIV. The album has garnered positive critical reception, with some reviewers highlighting its unflinching engagement with contemporary issues and its underlying message of community resilience.

In addition to the album release, DIIV unveiled an extensive world tour slated for 2027. The itinerary kicks off in Australia on February 12 at the Laneway Festival in Sydney, followed by performances across Brisbane and Melbourne. The band will then proceed to New Zealand’s Laneway Festival in Auckland before heading to Tokyo for two shows at Kanda Square Hall.

April and May see DIIV embarking on a comprehensive North American tour. Dates are scheduled in major cities including Minneapolis, Chicago, Toronto, New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, and San Diego, among others. This segment reflects the band's commitment to reconnecting with a broad international audience through intimate venues and well-known festival appearances.

The European leg begins in late May and extends through June, featuring appearances at renowned festivals such as Primavera Sound in Barcelona and Best Kept Secret in the Netherlands. Multiple concerts across France, Germany, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, and more are also planned.

The tour culminates with six dates across the UK and Ireland in June, encompassing stops in Brighton, Manchester, Glasgow, Dublin, Bristol, and London. Venues include notable locations like Manchester’s Albert Hall and London’s Troxy. Tickets for these UK shows became available to the public on October 30, aligning with the album launch.

This extensive touring plan underscores DIIV’s renewed vigor and artistic direction following a turbulent period that included frontman Zachary Cole Smith’s experience in rebuilding his community after the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. The band’s work on ‘ZIRP!’ and the accompanying global tour highlight a purposeful shift towards themes of recovery and collective strength.

While further details about additional collaborations or special guest appearances remain sparse, DIIV’s 2027 schedule clearly positions them as a significant presence on the international indie and shoegaze scenes for the coming year. Their blend of introspective lyricism, textured soundscapes, and politically infused messaging continues to evolve, promising a compelling live and recorded experience for fans worldwide.