# DIIV Talks Revolution, ‘The Spirit of Rebuilding’ and the ‘Cowardice’ of Artists Who Refuse to Speak Out

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/diiv-talks-revolution-the-spirit-of-rebuilding-and-the-cowardice-of-artists-who-refuse-to-speak-out/
- Published: 2026-10-30T16:16:33+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-30T17:40:58+00:00
- Original publisher: Billboard
- Original article: https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/diiv-zirp-interview-1236370691/
- Topics: Art, Culture, Entertainment, Music

## Key points

- DIIV’s new album pairs pop hooks with anti-capitalist themes.
- ZIRP! refers to policies associated with widening wealth inequality.
- Cole Smith’s rebuilding after the Eaton Fire shaped the record.

## Summary

DIIV have taken a brighter, more immediate pop direction on their new album, ZIRP!, while keeping the anti-capitalist themes of their previous record. The band use catchy melodies and irony to criticise wealth inequality and imagine the possibility of social renewal.

The album’s title refers to post-recession zero-interest-rate policies, which the article links to the growing Western wealth gap. Its songs include “Trillions”, which satirises material ambition, and “The Crash”, which targets billionaires. The record also reflects frontman Cole Smith’s experience of losing his home and belongings in the January 2025 Eaton Fire; he and his family later welcomed a second child, while DIIV began writing again with borrowed gear in a rented studio.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.