Almanac by Spencer Sanders – Aipate

I wouldn’t say Almanac by US singer-songwriter Spencer Sanders is a deeply introspective album. Rather, it feels like a heart-to-heart conversation with someone who’s experienced life’s high and lows. The openness with which the artist reveals his vulnerabilities is refreshing. There is actually a degree of calmness, which can partly be attributed to Spencer’s folk-rooted music style.

Almanac was released in two parts — Almanac: Volume 1 was shared last year, and Volume 2 completes the rollout. “Bird Song” featuring The Penny Candies, is one of my favourites. A soothingly uplifting piece, it forms part of Volume 2. You get a similar feeling when you listen to “Golden Age”.

The album is quite cohesive, each of the fifteen tracks contributing to the overall narrative. It is evident that Sanders has worked on his storytelling.

Diagnosed with bipolar disorder, the Boston-born Utah-based artist has had to wade through a sea of personal challenges, including identity. Music has, thus, become a tool for him to express himself and tell stories.

Almanac afforded him a blank canvas. Through the album, he puts a premium on healing, growth and need for resilience. It is like Spencer is saying: yes, I have gone through all that, but I’m not letting my experiences define me.

This is a message I wholeheartedly endorse, especially now that many people are struggling with mental health challenges.

Listen to Almanac and follow Spencer Sanders on Instagram (check the artist’s official website for more details about him and the album).