Nudging slacker indie-rock forward is a delicate art. Too clever with the production, too precious with the arrangements, and you’ve lost the plot entirely. Brooklyn six-piece Ceylon Sailor know the risk — and on their new EP ’the tiny wave,’ out now, they take it anyway.
The result is a record that somehow keeps its ramshackle soul intact while smuggling in blow-your-hair-back country-rock harmonies, a carefully calibrated dose of yacht rock, and a healthy slab of ’70s power-pop. The title track sets the tone early: sunshine-flooding choruses, pummeling drums, balmy harmonies — a preview of everything that follows.
For the uninitiated, think Neutral Milk Hotel, Car Seat Headrest, Grandaddy, and Frightened Rabbit — then toss them all in a room and let them argue about the Beach Boys.
“I live in fear of prog,” laughs main songwriter KM Sigel. “We tried some new songwriting techniques and thought more carefully about melody. We worked hard to stay in that sweet spot where the songs aren’t too simple, but are just a little more interesting.“
the tiny wave also marks a first for the band: it’s the debut Ceylon Sailor release built as a true collaborative effort. Previously, KM handled all instrumental parts — horn lines included — while bandmate Kieran (whose credits include work with Sufjan Stevens and Angus and Julia Stone) produced. This time around, every member had a hand in shaping the record.
“Not to overly editorialize, but I feel like it’s necessary for a band to stay together that everybody has skin in the game. That was really important to me.” — KM Sigel
Focus track Sold Me Down is the one to queue up first. Stream the tiny wave in full below.
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