Word and Photos by Dustin Schneider
Seattle’s Deep Sea Diver, fronted by the fiercely talented Jessica Dobson, returned to Fort Worth Saturday night for a headlining set at Tulips—a markedly different stage than the last time they were here, opening for Pearl Jam at Dickies Arena. That night in the cavernous arena spotlight, they proved they could hold their own on a massive stage. But this intimate show revealed the core of what makes them special: visceral songwriting, masterful musicianship, and the ability to make even the biggest-sounding songs feel deeply personal.
Formed in 2009, Deep Sea Diver began as Dobson’s solo venture after years spent signed to major labels and touring with artists like Beck, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and most notably as a guitarist for The Shins (2011–2013). Her husband Peter Mansen on drums, along with Garrett Gue (bass) and Elliot Jackson (guitar/synth), helped transform Deep Sea Diver into a cohesive, fiercely independent band. Their early releases—New Caves (2009 EP) and debut LP History Speaks (2012)—established Dobson as a distinctive voice in indie rock: gritty yet melodic, technical yet never cold. Secrets (2016) expanded their sonic palette, while Impossible Weight (2020) showed a band growing into widescreen, emotionally charged rock.
Released in February 2025 on Sub Pop, Billboard Heart represents the band’s most fully realized work yet: eleven tracks balancing propulsive riffs, sharp synth textures, and lyrical vulnerability. Critics highlighted its mix of rawness and polish:
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Pitchfork praised its “propulsive, riff‑laden songwriting.”
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Paste called it “front‑page rock and roll” with “snappy lyrics and impeccable guitar work.”
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Under the Radar lauded Dobson’s ability to marry heavy guitars with introspective songwriting.
Much of the record’s magic comes from Dobson’s embrace of first‑take recordings—capturing real emotion over studio perfection. Songs like “What Do I Know” and “Tiny Threads” shimmer with that lived‑in honesty.
Kicking off with the anthemic title track “Billboard Heart,” Deep Sea Diver wasted no time setting the night’s tone: soaring vocals, muscular guitars, and dynamic tempo shifts that kept each song unpredictable. “Shovel,” born from experimental lyrics and a darker edge, followed by Dobson’s guitar biting through thick synths and Mansen’s pounding drums. “What Do I Know,” built on an almost spontaneous-feeling groove, showcased Jackson’s lush synth work paired with Dobson’s reflective delivery. Playing guitar & synth with the band on this tour is Kristyn Chapman from Morpho. Kristyn adds an additional layer to the sonic assault that the band is already laying down. Their last visit to Fort Worth—supporting Pearl Jam at Dickies Arena—proved Deep Sea Diver could command a massive audience. But here, on Tulips’ smaller stage, every detail felt magnified: Dobson’s dynamic pedal work, Jackson’s synth layers, Gue’s melodic bass runs, Kristyn’s massive guitar tone and Mansen’s expressive drumming. What stood out most was Dobson’s raw commitment. She played guitar not just as accompaniment but as a storytelling instrument, bending notes and building tension to echo each lyric’s emotional arc.
What makes Deep Sea Diver compelling isn’t just the technical prowess (which is considerable) or even the strength of their catalog (which grows deeper with 
each album). It’s the risk: songs like “Tiny Threads” and “Shovel” balance quiet introspection with ferocity, offering a window into real vulnerability. Deep Sea Diver at Tulips showed that sometimes the loudest statement comes from sincerity.
There are moments when you catch a band opening in a massive arena, and all you can think is how incredible they’d sound in a smaller, more intimate room where every note lands right in your chest. I got that chance with Deep Sea Diver, and after witnessing them up close, I’m convinced it’s time for them to get back to those arenas. This is a band too good, too fearless, and too full of fire to stay a hidden gem. Everyone should know about them.
