New Album by Searows, Death in the Business of Whaling

By: Frankie Pelletier

Searows, the musical project of Alec Duckart, has been a constant staple in my music rotation since he released his first album, “Guard Dog,” in September 2022. I sank into his music, and “Guard Dog” consumed me for months.

I was obsessed not just with his sad songs that made me feel seen, but also with Duckart’s innate ability to fully encompass me in his music and storytelling through thoughtful metaphors and beautifully melancholic melodies. 

Four years later, Duckart’s sophomore album, “Death in the Business of Whaling,” has finally arrived, and Duckart’s sound is bigger and better than ever.

This album is indie, as Searow’s music always is, but it features a wonderfully wide array of instruments that allow Duckart’s folkier side to shine through and his sound to flourish. A beautiful blend of acoustic and electric guitars, drums, bass, upright bass, banjo, and even harmonica and tambourine creates a deeper, heavier sound that takes the lead on this album, more than Duckart’s previous softer acoustic tendencies. With the increased instrumentals and beautiful production on this album, it really feels like you’re living inside of each song with him.

FLOOD Magazine writer Tom Morgan described the album in his review as “[pushing] toward doom-metal territory” with the heaviness of the emotion and instrumentals.

Duckart’s strong metaphorical songwriting and love for a theme have always stuck with me. While canine metaphors are a staple in his writing, evident especially throughout “Guard Dog,” his new album, “Death in the Business of Whaling,” has taken on a nautical theme that is perfectly paired with the depth and heaviness of his music. Duckart’s guarded metaphors and fragmented writing make it really easy to find your own meanings in his songs, which outline his skill as a songwriter and storyteller. 

“Guard Dog” held a much more hushed tone, sticking mainly to vocals and an acoustic guitar, fitting for an album self-produced in his bedroom. Now signed to singer-songwriter and producer Matt Maltese’s record label, The Last Recordings On Earth, Duckart has much more support in terms of band members and producers, and his music will only continue  to evolve.