“I Miss You Already + I Haven’t Left Yet” - Del Water Gap Album Review

Samuel Holden Jaffe, known as Del Water Gap in the music world, released his sophomore album, “I Miss You Already + I Haven’t Left Yet,” on Sept. 29. The content is an ode to reminiscing on the past and old habits.

Jaffe’s song “Ode to a Conversation Stuck in Your Throat,” appearing on his first and self-titled album “Del Water Gap,” dipped his toe into mainstream music. Jaffe is positioned in the alternative/indie music genre.

Del Water Gap’s most recently released album weaves in some rock instrumentals, in addition to the strong lyricism listeners know him for. It is no surprise that he excelled lyrically in each track.

“All We Ever Do Is Talk,” is the star of the album. With a combination of lyrical mastery and bright melody, listeners observe an elevation of Jaffe’s musical abilities in this song alone.

Not to mention, the instrumentals give it the resonance of an 80s song, providing a groove to the track. This track exhibits a change in Jaffe’s music, as he allows himself to experiment a bit.

Jaffe tinkers with different instrumentals and beats throughout the album, giving listeners fresh tracks, some contrasting from his typical indie and folk patterns.

For instance, “Losing You,” includes a deeper bass representing the desperation of the situation described when Del Water Gap sings “Don’t wanna be right if it means losing you / Oh, losing you.”

While it corresponds with the more upbeat songs of the album, listeners can hear more grunge in the instrumentals, compliments of the bass.

The album then moves into “Quilt of Steam,” a sterling example of Jaffe’s lyricism. Featuring a more simplistic use of background instrumentals, the lyrics shine through.

“I couldn’t admit I was crushed by the weight of being strangers / I carried on folding clothes alone as if it wasn’t treason,” a provoking chorus.

A smaller detail that contributes to the artistry of the album is Del Water Gap’s raw and emotional voice. “Quilt of Steam” and “We Will Never Be Like Anybody Else” benefit from this admirably.

“We Will Never Be Like Anybody Else” serves as the perfect ending to this album of reminiscent ponderings. Lyrics like “Sunlight swirling the air/Crying ‘til we can’t no more,” take listeners to this fragment of a memory.

Piano accompaniment rounds out the composure of this song for potential tears to be shed, as Jaffe bears his soul about the aftermath of losing a unique love.

The album tracks flow well together without creating a monotonous feel for the listener. While Jaffe plays around with various beats and sounds, they fit together like the perfect puzzle.

One could say this is Jaffe’s best album to date, as it showcases his talent in extraordinary ways.

Listeners were elated by the release of this concise album. One would be unwise to go without listening to “I Miss You Already + I Haven’t Left Yet,” as it is a no-skip album for appreciators of well-thought-out lyricism.

Rating: 10/10

Reviewer’s Favorites: “All We Ever Do Is Talk,” “NFU,” “We Will Never Be Like Anybody Else”

Reviewer’s Least Favorites: N/A

Cassie Baylis is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email ceb6085@psu.edu.