Reaching Deeper Deep Sea Depths

Within a day, Deep Sea Diver’s vinyl pressings of new album, Secrets, sold out. This is for a good reason, and not just the original artwork by Matt Wignall. Jessica Dobson, Peter Mansen, Garret Gue, and Elliot Jackson have an enthralling and serene project going with Deep Sea Diver, blending electronic stimulants with surf rock and electric guitar, pop drums, raw but sweet vocals, and other interesting instrumentals. The pairings are a little different for each track, carrying over a similar vibe but straying to add something unique to each. Not only do the instruments and instrument pairings change, but the ways in which the instruments are played shift throughout the album to engage different perspectives and emotions.

“Notice Me” begins in the pop rock realm with quick hooky guitar and soft tambourine before the synth and sultry vocals kick in. There’s a coy shyness that breaks free into electric guitar fuzz and synth blip euphoria. The pressure builds until it bursts. “Wide Awake” starts off with wavering electronic guitar and a steady shaker-based rhythm. The lyrics don’t appear until over halfway through the track, first letting the sonic noise intensify with additional layers. “Creatures of Comfort” begins in a synthetic melody before the lyrical melody takes over and the electronics become the storyline backdrop. The guitar arrives uncertain, while the drums power through, allowing brief blissful moments before the sounds begin “tearing us apart.”

Six-minute “Secrets” starts off strongly and has sweet havens of sound solitude amidst chiming guitar strings and vocal echoes. The lyrics repeat “Remember your first love” until the sound becomes sweeter than ever, ascending into a purely heavenly state. “Great Light” starts off deep and slow with a static texture, while somber vocals bleed honestly amongst guiding piano keys. This is the album’s sad ballad, but it isn’t just that. It’s a symphonic compilation, blending the perfect amount of sound with white space to create intimate feelings with the listener. “I still need your love, and you need mine,” seems more like a lost and broken sentiment than a hopeful summons.

“See These Eyes” brings the dance vibes with intoxicating synth-pop beats and staccato soprano vocals. Things mellow down with honest “Always Waiting,” letting Dobson’s vocals shine over a sullen drumbeat and constant eerie wail. The instruments pick up in just the right places to create a blues ballad. “It Takes a Moment” then delivers some Southern rock moments and reveals vocal prowess before “Body on the Tracks” reveals an uneasy rhythm and an explosive electric guitar segment. “New Day” ends the disc with a dark piano opus, pleading vocals entering and joined by soft cello and horns in a beautiful heartfelt goodbye. “But you’re with someone else.”