Searows - Death in the Business of Whaling (2026)

This album sits in that familiar space where atmosphere and sincerity do most of the heavy lifting. I like the world it builds — foggy, coastal, inward-looking — and I can tell there’s real care in the writing and the arrangements. At the same time, it rarely surprises me. The emotional temperature stays fairly constant, and while that makes for a cohesive listen, it also limits the sense of journey. I come away appreciating the craft more than feeling pulled back urgently.

Pros

1. Cohesive mood and imagery – The oceanic, Pacific Northwest atmosphere is consistent and well realised.

2. Earnest, emotionally grounded writing – The lyrics feel sincere and considered, not performative.

3. Step up in production scale – Fuller arrangements give the songs more weight than a lo-fi folk setup.

Cons

1. Narrow dynamic range – Too many tracks sit in the same emotional and sonic lane.

2. Limited melodic stickiness – Few moments really lodge themselves in memory.

3. Familiar indie-folk vocabulary – Well executed, but rarely distinctive enough to feel essential.

Genre: Indie Folk
Country: US

Final Verdict: 70% (Very Good Album)
Yearly Ranking: 8th / 65

Highlight: Kill What You Eat (added to my 2026 best of)


Made me think of:
Phoebe Bridgers
Ethel Cain
Julien Baker

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