Silvermuffins

Silverstein was probably the first screamo band I ever listened to. They were a bit of a gateway into post-hardcore for me, and I’ve always had a special place on my iPod for them. A Shipwreck in the Sand started to hint at the potential for something heavier from them, but it seemed to be only a hint. However, after switching from Victory Records to Hopeless Records, they announced that they’d be releasing a new record entitled Rescue. Along with that announcement, they also filmed a music video for “The Artist” which featured guest vocals from melodic hardcore band Counterparts’ vocalist. When I found that out, I was sold. I knew this would be their best work to date, and I was right.

“Medication” starts things off right with the guitars of vocalist Shane Told, Neil Boshart, and Josh Bradford fading in over some drum fills by Paul Koehler and a little bass line from Billy Hamilton. The verse kicks in with a wicked little punk feel before we get a full taste of Shane’s screams. Previous albums have had him screaming on occasion, but never really let us see what he could do – this track alone changes that. This song is easily one of the heaviest tracks that Silverstein has ever written. “Sacrifice” continues on this much heavier path as Shane leads off with his screams, throwing his cleans into the mix for a great contrast. Clean guitars open the third track “Forget Your Heart” and transition to distorted while Shane lets his singing voice dominate the vocal duties this time. “Intervention” channels the metalcore spirit with its speedy drum work and Told’s screams driving things forward through the verses and his cleans layering over screams for the chorus. This may be my favorite track on their new album, as it mixes old Silverstein with a much harsher edge. Track five slows the pace a little, as “Good Luck With Your Lives” turns down the distortion and turns up the bass for the verses. Even with the chorus at full blast, it has a softer feel to it that breaks things up nicely. “Texas Mickey” picks up the speed again and Shane’s alternation of cleans and screams provides a brilliant juxtaposition of melody and abrasiveness.

As mentioned above, “The Artist” features some guest vocals from Counterparts’ Brendan Murphy. Brendan and Shane work together perfectly on this hardcore infused track. At this point, it’s obvious that Silverstein has embraced a much heavier side of themselves, but that doesn’t mean they can’t have a couple throwbacks to their original style. “Burning Hearts” is one such throwback. It really shows that, even when playing their old style, they’ve grown greatly as musicians. “Darling Harbour” is another nod to where these boys got their start. After this walk down memory lane, “Live to Kill” kicks things back to the present. Shane switches up the standard formula, singing on the verses and screaming his way through the chorus. I know I haven’t paid much mind to the guitars on this album, but they have been absolutely spectacular, and this track is no exception. “Replace You” has another great lead guitar intro that fades to the background as Shane comes in for the verse. Simple lead overtones complement this track nicely. “In Memory Of…” closes out the album. It brings the bass up to the front and pairs it with simplistic guitar and drum parts through the verse before the rest of the band really joins in on the chorus. The pairing of simple and soft with a very full sound ties things together perfectly for an album closer.

Silverstein has evolved to a much heavier sound than anything they’ve written so far without sacrificing their signature sound. Throughout the whole album, it felt like I was still listening to a Silverstein album, which is difficult to do. Be sure to pick up Rescue, because it definitely won’t disappoint.