Alec Duckart, known by the stage name “Searows,” has been making alternative-folk music since 2020. The musician’s sound features acoustic guitars and hushed arrangements that evoke a quiet campsite in Duckart’s hometown of Portland, Oregon, blending smooth instrumentals and delicate vocals. He knows just the right way to create vivid imagery through his music, bringing the songs to life in a live setting.
Searows visited Houston, Texas, for a sold-out show on April 25. This marked the third stop on the Death in the Business of Whaling Tour, supporting his latest album of the same title. The upstairs at White Oak Music Hall was packed as the crowd anticipated the musician’s arrival on stage. The lights went dark and the instrumental build-up played, intensifying the energy in the room. The band then walked on stage as the crowd cheered, Duckart stepping up to the mic to sing the opening song “Belly of the Whale.”
The 15-track setlist consisted of songs from the latest album, such as “Kill What You Eat,” “Photograph of a Cyclone” and “Dearly Missed.” Songs from earlier releases were also included, such as “End of the World” and “Keep the Rain.” Fans were in awe while Duckart sang and the music flowed with ease — the room falling completely silent. The crowd erupted in applause and cheers at each song’s end, showing their love for the singer. Soft foam mallets softened the percussion of the songs while the cymbals and tambourine added a cinematic touch.
Throughout the show, the band switched between electric and acoustic guitars, adding variety to the set. The atmospheric soundscape immersed the crowd, allowing the stress of the outside world to melt away.
Midway through the set, the band left the stage, leaving Duckart alone under the lights. He performed two solo songs using an acoustic guitar, creating an intimate moment with the audience. The room fell quiet as every person soaked in the beauty of the performance. Duckart began by singing “Come Clean,” a track from the 2022 album Guard Dog. The instruments came through crisp and balanced, with Duckart’s vocals clear and controlled. Between songs, he reflected on how he never fully registered the details of past shows until that night, thanking the fans for attending the show and supporting his music. He followed with “Dirt” before the band rejoined the stage for the rest of the show.
Duckart made the fans laugh as he announced the last song of the night in a sarcastic tone — clearly alluding to more songs. The band played “Junie,” a track from the latest album, before leaving the stage. The crowd erupted in chants of “Encore,” prompting him to reemerge to play “House Song.” Duckart announced that he would play the “real” final song and joked with the crowd that he had them fooled. As the opening guitar notes of “Geese” began to play, fans gasped and squealed with excitement — a reaction that reflected the crowd’s deep connection to the set.
Fans were thoroughly impressed by Duckart’s raw talent and emotion, cheering and shouting with excitement as the show came to a close. Searows created memories that will last long after the performance.
Grab tickets to the tour: here.
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