History Speaks

Shifting rhythms, glistening melodies, and unsettled emotions define Deep Sea Diver's debut, History Speaks. The Seattle combo’s frontwoman, Jessica Dobson, has an impressive resume, including touring stints as guitarist/bassist with Beck, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and The Shins. Her dusky vocals bring the likes of Sharon Van Etten and Nona Marie Invie to mind, with hints of Siouxsie Sioux’s stylish torment. Together with husband/drummer Peter Mansen and bassist John Raines, she taps into an angular but tuneful musical vein akin to The Police’s early albums. Dobson’s lyrics convey intense dread and delight but remain elusive, veering from the wounded longing of “Ships” to the swooning surrender of the title tune. Deep Sea Diver’s ability to lay down complex, propulsive grooves keeps things interesting, whether the band takes a jazzy tack (“Nwo”), locks into a nervous shuffle (“Keep It Moving”), or gets steamy to a Caribbean beat (“You Go Running”). The dreamily evocative “Tracks of the Green Line” lets Dobson play the nightclub chanteuse to eerie effect.