Crucial Releases for February 28

Can't believe the end of February is here. (And gone by the time you read this...) Spring is around the corner, thankfully. It's been a bit dreary and cold this winter in Buffalo. The sun and warmer temps will be much appreciated!

Music wise... much like last week, I saved a good 16 to 18 releases to check out this week. That was challenging, as you might expect, but in the end I almost couldn't find a new record that captured my full attention...until I heard the album I saved for last: Deep Sea Diver's new record out on Sub Pop.

Some of the other records came close to making the cut. I enjoyed most of the Runaway Brother album, the Cloakroom and Panda Bear albums had some really super moments, and Doves put together a really solid release. The others I have listed below were mainly in the same boat... good, not great. Still something for everyone, though! So don't take my tastes as final word.

For the featured release, we have Deep Sea Diver's Billboard Heart (Listen), which is a followup to their critically acclaimed 2020 record, Impossible Weight (Listen), which was their sort of coming out party. That album led to a tour opening for Pearl Jam, as well as appearances on many year-end lists.

Billboard Heart by Deep Sea Diver

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Deep Sea Diver, from Seattle, is led by Jessica Dobson, who was a member of The Shins and a touring band member for Beck. In addition to the two albums mentioned above, they have also released two other full length albums: History Speaks and Secrets.

On Billboard Heart, Deep Sea Diver builds off the growth from the success of their previous album to deliver 11 confident songs that combine guitar-driven indie rock and a little post punk energy, with fuzzy guitar leads, synth, and other electronic sounds. Catchy and well written – think The Shins, Sharon Van Etten, Wye Oak, and Bully all rolled into one. Has me sold!

Favorite tracks: "What Do I Know", "See in the Dark", "Billboard Heart", "Loose Change", and "Let Me Go".

Last Leg of the Human Table by Cloakroom (Listen)
Cloakroom has taken the heavy shoegaze/Hum sound to a new level with this album, expanding their sound to include prog, alt country, and indie rock. A quality album from a band who isn't content with standing still.

Constellations for the Lonely by Doves (Listen)
Doves, much like fellow countrymen (and genre mates) Elbow, delivers consistent albums time and time again... six for Doves since 2000 (and ten for Elbow in the same time.) Doves' 2020 album The Universal Want was their first since 2009 and one of their best... and this one is up there at the top of their discography.

Sinister Grift by Panda Bear (Listen)
I have a hard time with Animal Collective and offshoot bands. I'm rarely in the mood for most of it, though this Panda Bear album is much more accessible than most, with a definite Vampire Weekend vibe added to the Brian Wilson/Beach Boys sounds he's known for...

Want You Need by Runaway Brother (Listen)
A band with a cult following that I didn't follow or appreciate for most of their history, much like fellow Clevelanders, The Sidekicks. They have a little of the same sound as that band, along with past tour mates oso oso... throw in a little Built to Spill-esque guitar work and melodies and you have Runaway Brother. Really dig it.

s/t by you, infinite (Listen)
A pandemic project for This Will Destroy You band members, that delivers more of the post-rock instrumentalism that band is known for... very good, if you are in the mood for it!

Off With Her Head by BANKS (Listen)
BANKS puts out consistently solid alt R&B albums, which I can appreciate. This one is no different.

Microtonic by bdrmm (Listen)
A five genre, constantly evolving band... and it works. More electronic and ambient than previous albums, but still a vibe.

I'm a TV by Mae Martin (Listen)
Martin is a comedian, actor, singer songwriter who I've seen online at various points over the last few years (comedy clips, at least)... and turns out they are pretty decent at the indie rock/folk thing too. A solid listen.

s/t by The Casper Fight Scene (Listen)
Any band with the late 90s, early 2000s midwest emo sound is a listen for me and this one is no different. I don't think they set themselves apart from the masses as much as a band like Anxious, but it's a decent listen if you are into the genre.

Token of Appreciation by Boldy James & Chuck Strangers (Listen)
James' THIRD album of 2025, after releasing three last year. Not much new in terms of sound or content, but it's a good Boldy James album if you dig the sound.