Bill Diver’s Passionproject is an American art rock act who has just hit my radar thanks to their debut EP, Diver #1. Based across multiple cities and part of numerous underground scenes, the project is doing something a little different in the world of music.
By Graeme Smith
The idea behind Bill Diver’s Passionproject is to create genuine experiences in a world where the Internet and modern society are driving feelings of loss, loneliness and disconnection. To this end, their music is both dense and diverse, challenging the listener to stop everything and give it their full attention.
This is apparent right from the off on this EP, which opens with Linklater. Initially it feels like bright and breezy indie pop rock but it quickly develops into something highly textured with overlaying vocals and a sense of rawness. The most arresting part of the track, though, is its poetic, Beck-like lyrics. It’s a strong start.
Proof of concept plunges us further into Bill Diver’s Passionproject’s anarchic world, with mellow electronica and lo-fi sensibilities. Arrowhead is bass-y and brooding, giving us yet another genre shift. Wait! then sits at the heart of the EP giving us a beautiful laidback blend of the organic and electronic. In confidence shares with us a delicate and emotional moment before Fulfilled Pt. 2 goes industrial hip hop with heavy bass and a looping melody. Griphoff closes the EP with an intimate, melancholic send off.
Diver #1 certainly won’t be for everyone. Some of its compositions are a bit out there. But the open-minded music lover will be richly rewarded by this eclectic collection of tracks. Bill Diver’s Passionproject’s aim are laudable and I love an act that isn’t afraid to to their own thing in a world that demands conformity. I can’t recommend this EP enough. You can check it out below.