Ceylon Sailor, out of NYC, gives us a delicious indie rock song that simply not enough people will hear. “the tiny wave” is a hit in a different quantum existence, where good music is cherished and auto-tuned pop-nonsense is never made. But, alas, in the world we live in, this song will go under the radar of the masses, and they won’t even know what they’re missing. I, for one, am pleased to have spent my Sunday morning with “the tiny wave” and a cup of strong coffee. Great way to start the day!
The backwash of the tiny wave hitting the shore is the minimalist banjo break at 1:27. Far from a rip tide, a smidgen of bass creeps back in, and the water reforms into another tiny wave. In the arrangement, this backwash section appears a few times, each time with different instrumentation, but it’s that one with the banjo that seals the deal!
Backing vocals throughout add high, trailing harmonies floating above as the tiny waves crash in. Trumpet and crunching guitars provide tension through contrast, and together work to propel the number’s energy.
“the tiny wave” – far from the acceptance of a relationship that should never have been – is a joyful experience even when standing in the cold snow, hoping icicles don’t crash through your skull.
Over on Bandcamp, check out Ceylon Sailor’s full-length, mid-2025 album, here we lie (also available on vinyl). “the tiny wave” isn’t included there, but before we get sad about that, how many Beatles singles were on the associated albums?
Written by Greg Gobel
