Ceylon Sailor – Better Times (2024)
The brainchild of US-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist KM Sigel, Ceylon Sailor is a testament to the pioneering sounds of 90s indie-rock. Conceived in a bedroom recording studio, there is an intimacy, intensity and heartfelt tenderness to Sigel’s raw music. Already an established figure on the New York music scene, Sigel is co-founder of the legendary indie dive, Gold Sounds, where he honed his penchant for exquisite melodies. This is our introduction to Ceylon Sailor and most likely yours too because, well, his discography is currently a single song. Come with us as we delve into Ceylon Sailor’s debut single ‘Better Times’.
Joined by bassist Seth Ondracek, drummer Kieran Kelly, and a rotating ensemble of horn players, Ceylon Sailor’s sound breathes life into 90s rock. Holding a torch for 90s indie bands that “thrived in the Southeastern United States”, Ceylon Sailor’s nostalgic sound lilts toward bands like Superchunk and Archers of Loaf, however, a plethora of other 90s influences flutter through ‘Better Times’. Tinges of Britpop legends Dodgy cling to the melody with alternative rock Seaweed and even an underlying hint of Weezer’s pop-rock. All joined by the thread of 90s exuberance and brought to life in 2024 by Ceylon Sailor.
Reflecting an era of “rough and tumble” rambunctiousness and experimentation, Ceylon Sailor removes the popular 21st-century synthetics and replaces them with emotional organic tones. While a harmonic unity exists in the melody, distortion and prominence of each instrument make for a comfortable but uncomfortable listening experience. Crashing drums meet a bold bass with dynamic guitars swirling about in the kaleidoscopic rush of sound. Interestingly, a unique shimmer of horns slips in adding a jazz-rock flair to the strong indie-rock flavour.
Aptly titled ‘Better Times’, the single is a melodic homage to the encouraging joy of times gone by. The soundtrack to a smile-inducing past, Sigel explains:
“’Better Times’ is a slice of nostalgic, upbeat fuzz pop…that provides the backdrop for a bittersweet tale of the private joy of shared memories….”
Find out more about Ceylon Sailor on his official website, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
Listen to more indie-rock tunes on The Other Side Reviews Indie Rock playlist:
