10 songs that influenced iDKHOW’s GLOOM DIVISION

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.

Read more: Every Weezer album ranked: From worst to best

“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.

Catch iDKHOW on the road at one of the many dates below.

iDKHOW 2024 tour dates

December 30 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Depot

March 15 – Nashville, TN – Eastside Bowl *

March 17 – Atlanta, GA – Hell as Masquerade *

March 19 – Orlando, FL – Plaza Live *

March 20 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Culture Room *

March 21 – Tampa, FL – Crowbar *

March 23 – Raleigh, NC – Motorco *

March 24 – Richmond, VA – The National *

March 25 – Washington, DC – Atlantis *

March 26 – Philadelphia, PA – Brooklyn Bowl Philly *

March 28 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza *

March 29 – Boston, MA – Brighton Music Hall *

March 30 – Rochester, NY – Montage Music Hall *

April 1 – Buffalo, NY – Buffalo Iron Works *

April 2 – Toronto, ON – The Axis Club *

April 5 – Detroit, MI – Shelter *

April 6 – Columbus, OH – Newport *

April 8 – Chicago, IL – Bottom Lounge *

April 9 – Milwaukee, WI – Rave II *

April 11 – Minneapolis, MN – Fineline *

April 12 – Madison, WI – Majestic Theatre *

April 13 – St. Louis, MO – Delmar Hall *

April 15 – Colorado Springs, CO – Black Sheep *

April 16 – Denver, CO – Ogden *

April 19 – Seattle, WA – Crocodile *

April 20 – Vancouver, BC – Fortune Sound Club *

April 21 – Portland, OR – Hawthorne Theatre *

April 24 – San Francisco, CA – August Hall *

April 26 – Los Angeles, CA – Regent *

April 28 – San Diego, CA – Music Box *

* with Benches