Draft:GLOOM DIVISION

GLOOM DIVISION is the second studio album by American indie rock solo project I DONT KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME, led by frontman Dallon Weekes. The album was released on February 23, 2024. It follows the success of the band's debut album, Razzmatazz.

Background
Following the positive reception of their debut album, I DONT KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME began working on their sophomore effort. Dallon Weekes, the creative force behind the project, drew inspiration from a variety of sources, including his personal experiences and influences ranging from 70s glam rock to 90s R&B. Weekes embarked on a journey of introspection, particularly following an Autism and ADHD diagnosis, which influenced the themes explored in GLOOM DIVISION. The album reflects Weekes' growth as a musician and songwriter, showcasing a blend of dark lyrics with upbeat melodies.

Production
Gloom Division features collaborations with various artists and musicians, including William Joseph Cook, Charlie Brand, and members of Louis XIV. Dallon Weekes also worked with producer Dave Fridmann, known for his work with artists such as The Flaming Lips and MGMT, to realize his vision for the album. Fridmann's expertise helped shape the sound of the record, allowing Weekes to explore a diverse range of musical styles while maintaining a cohesive sonic identity.

"A LETTER," the ninth track on the album, is an older song written by Weekes during his time as the Brobecks, re-recorded for the album. The band has been performing the song for many years, since tours supporting the 1981 EP.

On September 16th, 2023, Weekes announced via Instagram the new album, along with the departure of bandmate and drummer Ryan Seaman after "a series of broken trusts." The band also signed a deal with Concord Records, which handled the release of GLOOM DIVISION.

Singles
The album features four singles:

"What Love?" - released on October 5, 2023, as the lead single.

"Gloomtown Brats" - released on December 7, 2023, as the second single.

"Infatuation" - released on January 11th, 2024 as the third single.

"Downside" - released on February 23, 2024, as the fourth single.

Track listing
1. "DOWNSIDE" - 3:32

2. "GLOOMTOWN BRATS" - 3:13

3. "INFATUATION" - 3:27

4. "WHAT LOVE?" - 3:15

5. "SPKOTHDVL" - 3:01

6. "SIXFT" - 3:24

7. "FIND ME" - 3:21

8. "KISS & TELL" - 3:28

9. "A LETTER" - 3:12

10. "SATANIC PANIC" - 3:06

11. "SUNNYSIDE" (ft. Will Joseph Cook) - 3:16

12. "iDIOTS OF Oz" - 3:00

Total runtime: 39 minutes

Reception
Gloom Division received positive reviews from music critics. Ed Walton of Distorted Sound praised the album's infectious indie pop sound, noting Weekes' ability to blend dark lyrics with upbeat tunes. Ali Shutler of DORK commended the album for its fierce optimism and diverse musical influences, giving it a rating of 4/5. James Hingle of Kerrang highlighted Weekes' evolution as a musician and the album's dark yet uplifting themes, also giving it a rating of 4/5.