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Much like the runaway train mentioned in the opening line of “Follow Me”, a rock riff barrels through the beginning of DIVA’s debut EP, Spirit Shaker, bringing young, hopeful energy in its wake. “Follow Me” is a nod to social media culture, without the promises of the same following in return, which is extremely relevant to the expectations of our modern society. Often the distances driven between us by social media’s disconnected pressure further pushes us away from true human interaction. “Follow Me” addresses this by reflecting on how technology can truly connect us to our friends, especially when we are waiting to hear that they have arrived safely at home.

The underlying themes throughout Spirit Shaker are relying on close friends, maintaining a happy, optimistic outlook on life, and persevering through personal struggles with depression. This is especially represented by the warmth of the instrumentation that gives more prominence to the upbeat, poppy melodies. The lyrics delve deeper into the writers’ psyches as they cope with their mental health.


In “Hiding”, we can imagine an idyllic drive through the suburbs, possibly to visit friends or family, when life’s troubles get to be too much. “Hiding” wonderfully pairs a driving bass line with drums to create a supported, sunny rhythm. The antiphony of the chorus echoes two friends giving helpful advice to each other.

“Dillon’s Song” begins with more laid back suspended notes that jump into a peppy verse. This wistful song’s lyrics allow the singer to let go of the past while still retaining the happier memories of better times. This movement from the past is thematically conveyed as literal travel to the west. The surfy syncopation of “Dillon’s Song” encourages dancing and the discovery of better places.


Finally, title track “Spirit Shaker” resolves the recurring theme of depression. Finding support by surrounding yourself with kind, good friends can help you shake off pessimism and learn to “make light of the events in my life” to move forward. It is obvious that music is not only fun but also healing to DIVA.

As “Follow Me” says, “a chain is as strong as its weakest link,” and Spirit Shaker neatly settles in sync to structure a solid, self-sure EP. It suggests the band members have genuinely formed a respectful, unpretentious bond. There are none of the negative connotations normally associated with the word diva to be found.


DIVA’s Spirit Shaker EP releases today, February 1st, alongside a release show at Stepbrothers in Norman. See the poster below for details.

Spirit Shaker was recorded and produced by Ricardo Sasaki at Ares Recording in Oklahoma City.

DIVA is Dante Frame (guitar and vocals), Dillon Polston (bass and backing vocals) and Reece Carmen (drums). - ELECKTRA STANISLAVA

Tomorrow, February 1st, DIVA will release their debut EP, Spirit Shaker.

Hailing from Norman and consisting of Dante Frame (guitar and vocals), Dillon Polston (bass and backing vocals), and Reece Carmen (drums), DIVA broke into the Oklahoma music scene late last fall. Their first ever performance came on January 3rd with Sophia Massad and Callboys at Resonator in Norman.

The EP, Spirit Shaker, holds four songs: “Follow Me,” “Hiding,” “Dillon’s Song,” and the title track, “Spirit Shaker.”

“Follow Me” is the first on the list, a move likely made as an invitation for listeners to “follow” the band into a journey. The track itself seems to describe a sinking relationship — with a last ditch effort to keep the ship afloat. A catchy chorus of “follow, follow me” will keep the song reverberating in your head long after it ends.

“Hiding” follows with wailing vocals and an easy, groovy melody. A different take on love and life finds the band “hiding in the night” rather than facing the day.

The second to last track, “Dillon’s Song,” features shifting vocals and a more dance-y sound. Upbeat and bouncing, the song requests movement and dancing; you can’t get the full affect without at least tapping your foot.

Finally, the title track, “Spirit Shaker,” ties the whole EP together. Addressing depression and mental health with personal anecdotes on how it relates to their lives, the song is more mellow than the former ones. “Spirit Shaker” eventually transcends into a more positive sound with an ending self-reflection.

The EP was recorded and produced by Ricardo Sasaki at Ares Recording in OKC and officially hits music streaming sites tomorrow, February 1st. DIVA will be celebrating the release tomorrow night, as well, at Step Brothers in Norman at 8 pm with Opakue Kollective, The Sweet Talkers, and Kauri.

You can keep up with the band on all social media. Be sure to listen to Spirit Shaker when it comes out. - CAITY ROBB