[Photo by Manic Project]

10 songs that influenced iDKHOW’s GLOOM DIVISION

December 7, 2023

[Photo by Manic Project]

Dallon Weekes, the brilliant mind behind I DONT KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME, is readying the release of his sleek new album, GLOOM DIVISION, in the new year. Featuring a cutting-edge mix of R&B, post-punk, and art pop, Weekes contends with love, vanity, and satanic panic across a dozen tracks that pull from Hall & Oates as much as they do the Flaming Lips. It’s set to be another daring statement from Weekes, who’s teasing the project with a new single called “GLOOMTOWN BRATS.” The song is theatrical, takes shots at nepo lifestyles, and comes with a tour announcement that will see iDKHOW support the record (out Feb. 23 via Concord) throughout March and April.

“Writing has always been an outlet to exorcise your demons or difficult emotions, but with GLOOM DIVISION, I made a conscious effort to stop censoring myself when it comes to the subject material, or what I wanted to say,” he says.

Ahead of its release, Weekes walked us through a handful of tracks that shaped and enlivened his second studio album.

Ian Dury & The Blockheads – “Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll”

A classic song that's often misinterpreted as being about excess, but really it's a warning about the futility and banality of pursuing a life of 9-to-5 jobs.

The Flaming Lips – “Race For The Prize”

The Flaming Lips were the first band to teach me that feedback, broken and smashed-sounding drums, and dirty, unwinding tape machines can be beautiful, too. What an opening! A beautiful punch in the face.

Louis Xiv – “Louis Xiv”

Criminally underrated act from the early ’00s. This is rock ’n’ roll. Who else could get away with naming a song after themselves, or possibly a French monarch?

Blur – “On Your Own”

In the post-grunge ’90s, Britpop became my place for refuge from the popular music of the time. (See also: Pulp/Radiohead/Supergrass/etc.) Blur was always my favorite. Still are.

Foxygen – “Face the Facts”

A fantastic song about accepting a creeping reality, even if it may not be pleasant. “You're never gonna be a famous rock ’n’ roller”? What a great line! Foxygen are totally unafraid to be weird with their production. I love this.

Player – “Baby Come Back”

One day, we all succumb to the bewitching, come-hither world of yacht rock. You may not believe me right now. That's fine. I'll see you on the deck, when you're ready.

The Cars – “I'm Not the One”

I have vague memories of this song as a child, and then more in the ’90s. It took me a while to find out who it was exactly (pre-internet). Of course it was the Cars.

Weezer – “No Other One”

When Pinkerton dropped, I loved it right away. Not everyone did, and I had a hard time understanding why. I thought it was brilliant and noisy and sounded the way my brain felt. It was perfect.

Hall & Oats – “Rich Girl”

Those of us who grow up without money will always be able to rely upon the “well-to-do” as fodder for pop songs. It's the very least they can do.

Phantom Planet – “The Happy Ending”

Their self-titled album is easily in my Top 10. They were kind enough to allow me to sample the drums from this song for “DOWNSIDE.” Give them a listen today, or at your earliest convenience.