Local Review: Spencer Sanders — Almanac

Spencer Sanders
Almanac
Self-Released
Street: 09.19.2025
Spencer Sanders  = Noah Kahan + Cody Fry 

Spencer Sanders‘ Almanac feels like a series of intimate conversations. Sanders is a storyteller and that quality shines through clearly in his lyrics and instrumentals. Almanac is an album composed of references to metallic hues, outdoor scenes, epic poems and the sounds that make up our mundane lives.

Sanders has a folk pop sound reminiscent of Noah Kahan with an orchestral flair that brought showtunes to mind. His lyricism has a storybook quality that sucked me in the same way a Lizzy McAlpine song would. 

Some of Almanac’s tracks also blend in a strong country feel to the album. “Iced Moonshine” is an obvious example, with melodies that reminded me of “Wagon Wheel” by Old Crow Medicine Show.

The album opens with “Rust” and the soft, nostalgic sounds of a music box accompanied with gentle guitar and melancholic lyrics. At the song’s climax, it’s raw and honest. Sanders combines the music box’s simple melodies with haunting instrumentals and backing vocals as he tells a story of finding closure and “taking the road out west.” 

The sampling and incorporation of less conventional sounds is present throughout the album. Sanders includes the sounds of everyday life in music. “Wishing Wells” opens with a train’s whistle and “Someday Soon” with a morning weather forecast. The sounds of a busy restaurant accompany the band in “The Cost” and fill out the jazz-inspired number.

“Wishing Wells” is backed by instrumentals that reminded me of a movie score. Ashley Tingey featured on the flute was particularly delightful and such a beautiful addition to the song. When Sanders tells a story, it feels like it’s being whispered in your ear by a friend and the vocals in this song demonstrate that familiar quality the best. 

“Golden Age” is one of the album’s brighter songs with an inspirational rock feel. Sanders provides the listener with optimistic lyrics focused on opening up and living for yourself in pursuit of the life you want — something that is often easier said than done, but always worth trying.

Sanders combines poetic lyrics with elegant instrumentals that swell into dramatic moments in the album’s title track “Almanac.” This was my favorite song on this album. Sanders captures the struggles of navigating through life and love perfectly. “Almanac” is the type of song I want to shout off a cliff. At the very least, I plan on playing loudly in my headphones when I’m feeling dramatic on the train home after a rough day. 

While Almanac touches on heavier topics, Sanders remains undeniably charming. There is a warmth to this album that feels like summer camp — stories and songs that are meant to be shared around campfires with acoustic guitars and warm blankets, surrounded by fireflies. 

“Song of the Morning” is a standout from the album’s second half. It’s a track that starts out simple, and features a trombone that contrasts beautifully with the tenor of Sanders’ vocals. The bridge of this track is the highlight, though — it’s like an epic poem accompanied by pulsing instrumentals. Not every question has an easy answer and Sanders’ willingness to explore that uncertainty truly makes this song special. 

Sanders ends the album on a hopeful note with “The Last Page.” He reminisces about a past relationship, backed by simple piano, and admits that it “doesn’t matter if it’s happy ever after / ‘Cause when my story’s over, you’re my favorite chapter.” It’s a sweet song that embraces the album’s philosophy of recognizing the difficult experiences that shaped us and still choosing hope and love each day. —Margaret Pugh

Read more reviews of albums by local musicians:
Local Review: CornerCut — Similarities
Local Review: meg jordan — Miss Hippie

To help SLUG continue highlighting the work of local musicians, consider becoming one of our donors!