Deep Sea Diver: Billboard Heart

I’m often unimpressed with the vapidity of contemporary indie rock, but the newest album from Seattle, Washington’s Deep Sea Diver, Billboard Heart, is a notable anomaly. What sets it apart from others of its kind is its attentiveness to the interplay of lyrics, melody, and instrumentals in each song. The vocal intonation in “Tiny Threads,” for example, is especially complementary to the track’s other elements, enhancing its overall emotional effect. Besides great storytelling, the LP is chalk full of earworms. It’s impossible to get enough of the addictive chorus of “Shovel,” underscored by the march of its bassline, and undoubtedly you will randomly find yourself humming the tune of the titular track, “Billboard Heart,” as it has an irresistible synth-pop flare. Toss it on in the car or blast it at your next party—no matter the setting, playing Billboard Heart will be a sure-fire way to brighten the mood and kick the vibes up a notch.

-Abigail Heron

4/5