Silverstein
A quick look at the influences band members cite for their full (but not complex) style leaves little doubt as to what the listener will hear. It’s no surprise that Metallica shows up on the Silverstein influence list, along with NOFX and others. But it is interesting and refreshing to see such groups as At The Drive-In and Sunny Day Real Estate in there too. Toss in the influence of Lifetime, Get Up Kids and Saves The Day and you have enough reasons for the years of Silverstein success.
The band seems to fit what a significant segment of young listeners are searching for – hardcore and screamo. Key parts of the Silverstein sound include the crisp and energetic drumming of Paul Koehler and the cutting guitar chords that have just enough distortion. Of course, Silverstein gives the required undercurrent of anger in its background vocals, quite a contrast to the clarity of each song’s front line melody.
Neil Boshart and Josh Bradford (guitar), Bill Hamilton (drums) and Shane Told (vocals) round out the group that occasionally offers an inkling of ballad style guitar and rhythm, as with the song "Heroine" from Discover The Waterfront. But this tease soon rolls into the pounding sounds similar to "Sound of the Sun" and other songs from the July 2007 Arrivals and Departures.
The Canadian band’s current tour includes several dates in Arizona, California and Colorado before swinging back to Illinois, Wisconsin, Texas and numerous eastern venues.
Tags: indie music, indie, music, silverstein, independent music
I’m not sure if the mainstream would even grip to them. Because they are reminders of many other groups out there.
I do not think that’s exactly true. A lot of people like this band, at least here, and they seem pretty mainstream to me. Yes they are similar to other bands, but that’s why a lot of people would like them. People are always looking for something similar to what they already listen to, because that’s what they are used to. This band is alright, but not something I listen to a lot.
Familiarity, I think, is what makes us gravitate to certain bands. For instance, Oasis fans swear that that band has a Beatles-like quality even though the bands are a generation apart timewise. The content might be different, but the sound is the same.