Silverstein Albums (3)
'A Shipwreck in the Sand'
Release Date 3/31/2009
Tracks 14
Label Victory
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Canadian hardcore act Silverstein have a knack for creating music to scare your parents with. The five-piece continues to put the fear of God into moms and dads worldwide with A Shipwreck in the Sand. From the bone-crunching guitars of "A Great Fire," a spooky number of the highest order, to the emo angst of the disc-closing (and appropriately titled) "The End," Silverstein do not disappoint on their fourth full-length screamfest. The latter, a jangly number that swells and falls like the ocean, is a duet with Canadian synth queen Lights (Valerie Poxleitner). Equal parts Suicidal Tendencies and Motörhead, with the pop sensibilities of Dashboard Confessional, the Silverstein boys are a musically schizophrenic lot. One minute the bandmembers are grinding away at the core and screaming themselves hoarse, the next they're singing pretty (yes, actually singing). "I Knew I Couldn't Trust You," a pure emo-pop tune, is the perfect example of this -- vocalist Shane Told goes from hoarse to pretty in the blink of an eye. "I Am the Arsonist" is a brain-bashing track that hits you like a sucker punch to the back of the head. Blazing guitars and a thundering backbeat nearly drown out the vocals. The band plays like it's the end of the world. ~ Todd Sterling, All Music Guide
'Arrivals & Departures'
Release Date 7/3/2007
Tracks 11
Label Victory
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
When you think of post-hardcore, you usually think of vocalists who still scream their head off, with music that includes mostly alt rock elements. But bands like Silverstein prove that the playing field for what is considered post-hardcore has been broadened considerably -- especially as evidenced by their 2007 release, Arrivals & Departures. Hooking up with renowned hit-making producer Mark Trombino (who has worked with blink-182, Jimmy Eat World, and Sugarcult, among others) shows that Silverstein is looking to expand their fan base considerably, and the melodic-yet-tough tunes throughout Arrivals & Departures prove that they have accomplished their goal. In fact, on such selections as "If You Could See Into My Soul" (the album's first single), it sounds like the band has two singers -- a pop singer and a hardcore screamer -- but it turns out it's just ol' Shane Told doing his best Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde impersonation. Refusing to align themselves completely with either hard rock or hardcore, many of the tracks feature equal amounts of each -- especially the album opening "Sound of the Sun" and "Worlds Apart." While not a true hardcore album, Arrivals & Departures should help introduce this style to the pop legion. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide
'When Broken Is Easily Fixed'
Release Date 5/20/2003
Tracks 10
Label Victory
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Silverstein's Victory debut is a jarring mixture of emo's earnest determination, elements of hardcore, and the heaviest of heavy metal. While vocalist Shane Told delivers lines like "How can I say I love you back, you never made me happy" in a cracked, soaring singing voice, When Broken Is Easily Fixed actually begins with a ragged scream that's as arresting as his singing is plaintive. Musically, the LP is dominated by the dynamic shifts and driving melodies of emo. But Silverstein's membership was derived from existing hardcore, metal, and punk squads, and these influences are never very far from view. "Last Days of Summer" begins as a June day ends, with shuffling percussion and gently strummed guitars. But just as the fragile strains of a violin drift in, Told's growling, scarred alter ego appears behind his singing self. The song's structure breaks apart, and re-forms as a churning post-hardcore anthem driven by his scarred, screaming id. The track gives way to the scathing hardcore of "Bleeds No More," but even its furious rhythms aren't safe from Silverstein's experimental touch -- its bridge features an atmospheric interlude complete with programming and additional violin. Things get even more bipolar with "The Weak and the Wounded," on which Told's two sides duet before the track bursts through the storm clouds into a gliding chorus. But all is not well. "Love in my eyes, lust in my heart," Told sings, only to sneer finally "I made it all up. Lies, deceit empowers me." When Broken Is Easily Fixed is a rousing, cathartic record that effectively blurs the lines between emo, hardcore, and metal. It drags the listener behind the car on an emotional roller coaster that teeters on rotting wood. For your own safety, keep your hands and arms away from the stereo at all times. ~ Johnny Loftus, All Music Guide
