Ben Gunning (ex–Local Rabbits, current member of Swiss Dice) channels smooth-jazzer Michael Franks on his second full-length, Mal De Mer, though his tale of a discontented cruise ship employee is decidedly David Foster Wallace–esque. Each hilarious track investigates psychological torment in a new nautical environment — “On Their Dime” describes casino-goer woes through a rhythmic piano/guitar arrangement, while “I Can’t Swim” explicitly intones, “I am not a pirate” over a disco groove; Gunning’s rich falsetto flutters throughout the ship decks. It’s a funky, beautiful album that’s definitely seaworthy.