Distilling the peaks and troughs of life into art can be a daunting task for any artist: Spencer Sanders has successfully navigated those emotions— and now a better version of himself, the experienced crooner has recorded his feelings into "Almanac: Volume 1." These songs serve as a ruminative guide for anyone to find solace in situations that might feel insurmountable; they leave more impact with the craftsmanship shown in the instrumentality.
Spencer is a singer-songwriter at heart and explores life through the diverse tapestry of music. There's a down-to-earth, deeply thoughtful aura with everything he has offered so far— in his first-ever released debut "Legacy (In Memoriam)" (2023) is a pensive and mournful homage, accompanied by a soft and bittersweet pianoforte. His latest single “The Ghost” following the album is a mellow folk-rock ballad, lyrically intimate and the yearning vocals pull the heartstrings with the rendition.
Released in September, "Almanac: Volume 1" marked a watershed moment for the songster— in both songwriting and musicality. Spencer collaborated with other talented acquaintances in the scene to create an eight-track LP that's strongly devoted to Americana music, with various genres seeping into this endeavor, spanning from indie folk to chamber pop in a harmonic amalgamation.
Since we are used to discussing albums the usual way, we decided to change things up and go with a subjective ranking for the listed tracks (in ascending order of preference). Of course, it will be different for everyone at the end of the day, but here's ours:
8 War & PeaceA delicate yet potent ballad, the track skillfully paints love as a battlefield; which can be an onslaught of conflicting emotions, and sometimes drawing a truce is the only way to end the pain. For this song, the instrumental has adult-contemporary inspired arrangements with a cathartic, soulful performance that kept us riveted till the end.
7 Wishing WellsWith hints of baroque in the instrumentation, this is a soft and contemplative tune that reflects the vulnerabilities we often brush aside despite wanting to heal from our emotional wounds. The downbeat vocals with the sparser yet melodic composition are admirably put together.
6 Someday SoonPerhaps starry-eyed and romantic to a comforting degree, "Someday Soon" promises of the good days ahead— gracefully carried by the glimmering and subtle guitar melodies and steady drums, this is a track that helps shed away the pessimism with its sunny disposition.
5. RustWistful and perhaps nostalgic, the chiming of a music box introduces the opening track "Rust." In a soothing and confessional acoustic ballad, we find the vocalist coming to terms with dealing with unforeseen heartbreaks and burning bridges ("Oh and I say it's far too late...but I won't place my trust in you").
4 MaybeA feel-good number, "Maybe" unfolds with the singer reminiscing what could have been love— placing faith that it will be reciprocated again someday soon, notwithstanding lingering doubts. So far into the album, Spencer's dexterity in composing heartwarming ballads has already been established, and this is no different.
3 Iced MoonshineIntermingling blues and Country, the song grieves for a once fulfilling relationship— now only strands of fading memories aching the heart. The uptempo chorus thrives with the ascending vocal rendition and lush harmonica, a rich and satisfying outcome overall.
2 Paradise FoundDedicated to wanderlust lovers, "Paradise Found" exudes warmth with the endearing lyrics and breezy acoustic composition, as the vocalist is utterly grateful that he finally's found a home in his loved one— no matter where they go.
1 Golden AgeTrading acoustic elements for more rock-leaning instrumentation, the progressively escalating arrangements in the finale "Golden Age” is a track devoted to the newfound love and the halcyon days waiting ahead. Anthemic and euphoric towards its conclusion, there couldn't have been a better and sanguine end to this album!
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