Album Review: Vast and Sad by Celesteville
Released in 2002 under the Tape Mountain label, Vast and Sad by Celesteville is a lo-fi gem that blends Rock and Pop/Rock with an understated charm. Entirely crafted by Jacob Anderson—who wrote, composed, and penned the lyrics—this album feels deeply personal, like flipping through someone’s worn journal. It’s raw, imperfect, and yet somehow comforting. The tracks were recorded across various intimate venues in Portland, Seattle, and Bellingham, giving it a grounded, almost live-like vibe.
Two tracks stand out as unforgettable for me: “Your Leather Jacket” and “Waterfall.”
“Your Leather Jacket,” captured at Kelly Haus in Portland, hits differently. It’s not just about the jacket—it’s about memory, longing, and how objects can carry weight far beyond their physical form. Anderson’s voice cracks slightly on the chorus, which might’ve been an accident, but honestly? It works. You feel the ache behind every word. The guitar riff loops lazily, mimicking the way nostalgia circles back to you when you least expect it.
Then there’s “Waterfall,” recorded at Emerald City Coffee in Seattle. This one sneaks up on you. At first, it seems simple—a gentle melody over soft strumming—but halfway through, something shifts. Maybe it’s the way the lyrics paint a vivid picture of movement, or maybe it’s how the ambient noise of the coffee shop bleeds into the track. Either way, it sticks. By the end, you’re left staring out the window, wondering why your own life doesn’t feel quite so poetic.
What makes Vast and Sad special isn’t its technical perfection—it’s the opposite. It’s messy, unpolished, and human. Listening to it feels like catching up with an old friend who tells stories that wander off-topic but always bring you back home.
Oddly enough, I found myself thinking about pancakes while listening to this album. Maybe it’s because breakfast food pairs well with lazy Sunday mornings, which is exactly when this record should be played. Or maybe Jacob Anderson secretly loves pancakes too. Who knows? But hey, isn’t that what great art does? Leaves you pondering random stuff long after the music ends.
Rating: 8/10
Recommended for: Anyone who digs lo-fi vibes, emotional depth, and albums that sound like they were made just for you.
