Indie pop artist S. Holden Jaffe, artistically known as Del Water Gap, released his third studio album, Chasing the Chimera, on November 7, 2025, and it is extremely underrated.
Following his 2023 release, I Miss You Already + I Haven’t Left Yet, which scored him his debut on Billboard’s Top Current Album Sales chart, this album was highly anticipated. The last time fans had seen of Jaffe, he opened for Niall Horan during the North American leg of his tour “The Show: Live on Tour” in 2024 and played Lollapalooza. However, this 12-track record shares exactly where Jaffe has been.
The album takes on a narrative tone, as Jaffe searches and yearns for clarity. The opening track and second single, “Marigolds,” which he wrote after the LA wildfires. Jaffe said the track was about “regret and apology as an obsessional mantra,” in an interview with Rolling Stone. The almost three-minute song is a perfect opener for this record. It perfectly captures the themes of nostalgia, regret, and isolation described throughout this album.
Storytelling
Del Water Gap has always had a unique ability to tell a story. Having first discovered him from his song “Ode to a Conversation Stuck in Your Throat,” I grew fond of the way he could tell a personal story in a way that was catchy.
Chasing the Chimera‘s most striking element is it’s storytelling. Jaffe, approaches songwriting as a way to document his emotional journeys rather than simply create radio-ready singles. Jaffe’s lyrics often read very intimate. Like you’re reading a journal entry.
Throughout the album, Jaffe is proven to be great at crafting narratives that are personal, but still relatable. The songs on the album have lyrics about the LA wildfires, lost relationships, and quiet nights alone. The exploration of regret, self-doubt, and the complexity of connection are the threads that hold the emotional narrative together.
Stand Outs
One of the standouts on the album is the lead single “How to Live.” From the very first listen, the song captures attention with its vibrant production and memorable melody. In an Instagram post, Jaffe said, “this song is about regret and spiritual confusion and the quiet work of survival,” a statement that perfectly captures the raw vulnerability embedded within the song. Continuing with the album’s broader theme of searching for purpose and clarity, “How to Live” manages to explore existential questions without ever feeling heavy.
Another standout for me was the album’s closer, “Eagles In My Nest.” The song, which serves as a perfect conclusion to the record, is a haunting yet beautiful piece. The track itself is built with soothing melodies, as the sound of the piano carrying the listener through each note with a sense of calm. However, the contrast between the peaceful arrangement and the heavy, thought-provoking lyrics creates a powerful emotional impact.
“It’s so hard being alive / No wonder everybody dies / And it’s such a shame just getting by / But everything will be alright / In the end,” the chorus says. It captures the overwhelming weight of existential challenges. It conveys a sense of resigned acceptance, reflecting the harsh realities many face, while simultaneously offering a glimmer of hope that things might work out in the end.
Sound & Production
Sonically, the album leans into the standard indie-pop and folk-pop sound, which at times can be a bit boring. There are layered synths and gentle percussion, predictable for an indie-pop album. However, Jaffe does take some creative turns. The sixth track, “New Personality,” ends with a beautiful saxophone solo that pushes the song over the edge of great. The added jazz influence works with the rest of the album to make the tracks stand out.
That said, there’s still a bit of a generic quality that runs through the album. While the songs are beautifully put together and easy to get lost in, they sometimes feel a little too comfortable. The comfort zone of the indie-pop and folk-pop sound works both for and against him. It gives the album a familiar, cozy feel that’s immediately enjoyable, but it also means some songs blend together without leaving a huge impression.
It is easy to tell Jaffe knows how to craft a solid tune, but there are moments where I wish he’d take a few more risks or throw in something unexpected to shake things up. Even so, there’s no denying the sincerity behind his music. The emotion in his voice and the care in his songwriting keep the album from ever feeling hollow.
Public Reception
The reception of Chasing the Chimera by Del Water Gap has been somewhat mixed. Many listeners have connected with the album’s emotional maturity and sonic evolution. The album even ranked number 7 on Spotify’s USA Debut Chart when first released.
Online fans have especially highlighted tracks like “Please Follow” and “Eastside Girls” as their favourites, and going back to the production aspect, some listeners appreciate the new brass and saxophone textures added to his sound.
Despite Rolling Stone breaking the news of the album’s release, the publication has yet to comment on it. In fact many popular publications have not made a statement. There is a lack of noise surrounding this album. This shows that despite being a highly anticipated release, Jaffe has yet to do enough to break through to the mainstream.
Final Thoughts
I personally think that the world should pay closer attention to Del Water Gap. He has a way to share emotional and convoluted metaphors, that are still easy to relate too. Chasing the Chimera is a compelling, well-crafted album. It offers you a space to sit with your emotions, and listen closely.
Jaffe has created something that feels deeply personal yet universal, a collection of songs that spins tales about regret, growth, and the strange beauty of being human. to share it.
Still, the subtlety of the emotional weight may be exactly why Chasing the Chimera risks slipping under the radar. In a music world dominated by spectacles and viral moments, Jaffe’s work is more of a slow burn.
The lack of major media buzz doesn’t reflect the album’s quality. What makes Chasing the Chimera so rewarding is its balance of introspection and accessibility. Perhaps maybe Jaffe does not need mainstream attention, but rather deserves listeners that appreciate Del Water Gap’s uniqueness.
You can listen to Chasing the Chimera anywhere that streams music.
