Ivy Dye are an indie rock band from Chicago featuring Chris Adams (vocals, guitars), Connor Boyle (drums, guitars), Bryan Dalle Molle (bass, guitars, keyboards, percussion, vocals). Following a number of EPs, the band released their debut first full-length, Regality, in 2016, a record that drew upon the likes of Passion Pit and Tokyo Police Club to form an upbeat hybrid of pop and rock. The anthemic sound highlighted an ability to build immersive yet accessible soundscapes that straddle the line between indie and something more mainstream.
Now Ivy Dye are back with a brand new EP, Diminish, their first on 1212 Records. The release sees something of re-calibration of their sound, with Adams refocusing his attention and aims when writing. The previous releases, he felt, were too keyed in to outside influences. Diminish is his attempt to reclaim the Ivy Dye aesthetic, returning to the sort of music that truly speaks to the band rather than second guessing the audience or leaning on other sources.
The change is evident from opener ‘Soften’, the polished and soar of previous releases swapped out for more of a slacker rock vibe, the drums and guitars swirling in languid layers before coalescing into rhythm for the chorus. The polish and energy are still present, and the finale of the song still rises into an uplifting squall, though the overall sound is altogether more personal and human.
Lead single ‘Skin Your Knees’ pushes further in this direction, the tempo slowing to a wistful crawl before rising into the refrain, the hazy feedback and Adams’ vocals lending a nostalgic edge somewhere between dark and cathartic. ‘Savaged Minds’ follows this trend, a moody, chugging track of disaffected emotion, before the title track emerges from the murk with its sparkling brilliance. The song is a fitting close, the insistent tempo dropping only to exaggerate the next crescendo, and Adams’ vocals again highlighting his ability to craft singalong refrains that sacrifice none of the emotion.
We’re lucky enough to be able to share a stream of the album a few days early, so be sure to make the most of the opportunity and listen below.