Review / 200 Words Or Less
Small Sails
Similar Anniversaries

Other Electricites (2007) — Shane

Small Sails – Similar Anniversaries cover artwork
Small Sails – Similar Anniversaries — Other Electricites, 2007

Hailing from Portland, Oregon, Small Sails are here to put you in a seriously great mood. Formerly known as Adelaide, this once cinematic instrumental band decided to add some vocals as an instrument and completely leave words out of the equation. "Ooohs" and "Ahhhhs" litter the album as the band traverses through ten tracks and sees them play everything from Rhodes Piano to vibraphone with very tasteful electronics backing it all. While there are some mellow moments on the album the band is at it's best when it's emitting positive vibes from all directions such as on the synth fronted "Aftershocks and Afterthoughts" or the precise sound of "Corners" which brings out the fondest memories of being a child. For fans of Sonna, the Roots of Orchis, or if you ever wanted to know what The Album Leaf would sound like if Jimmy Lavalle went his whole life without ever being heartbroken.

8.4 / 10 — Shane • July 8, 2007

Small Sails – Similar Anniversaries cover artwork
Small Sails – Similar Anniversaries — Other Electricites, 2007

Recently-posted album reviews

Psycho Beets

Horrendum
Trash Wax, White Riot Records (2026)

ALBUM HIGHLIGHTS – “Mam w sobie diabła”, “Zombie”, “Listopadowa noc”, “Porque te vas” Fancy some Polish psychobilly punk? Well, you’re in luck. This is for anyone who takes their classic rock ’n’ roll swing with a heavy dose of horror and dark Western twang, blending rockabilly elements with Slavic folk and chaotic yet mysterious post punk -– all as the … Read more

Manicdotes

Eight Lives Down
Independent (2026)

The chemicals are rushing right out of the gate on this one. You start with a cigarette and dive straight into Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, to the lay person) to calm your nerves from that nicotine rush. This album starts off with a raucous acoustic punk number that will leave you craving more. So, it’s a good thing it’s only the first … Read more

Maruja

Pain to Power
Music For Nations (2025)

ALBUM HIGHLIGHTS – “Look Down on Us”, “Born to Die”, “Break the Tension”, “Trenches” Ahead of their 100 Club appearance this September, Maruja’s latest release, 2025’s debut album Pain to Power – following a slew of six EPs, reveals awe-inspiring experimental rock clashed with muddy yet always melodious free jazz. Eclectic would be putting it mildly. In amongst all that, … Read more