They say if it ain't broke, don't fix it but I wish someone hadn't told Silverstein that. Rescue is the definition of a generic post hardcore album, which at this point in their career is a little disappointing. Though old fans will feel right at home with Rescue, those looking for more of the progress we heard on A Shipwreck in the Sand will not be satisfied with this release.
Silverstein has spoken a lot in recent interviews about how rejuvenated they feel after leaving Victory Records for Hopeless. They consider this a new era for the band, but i'm not hearing it. This is the same formula they have been using since their formation over ten years ago, and unfortunately it's gotten a bit stale. While the rest of the post hardcore scene has been rapidly changing, Silverstein have become stagnant, coasting off the early success they received with When Broken Is Easily Fixed. Rescue may be the fifth studio release for the band but it'd be a challenge to differentiate the songs from each album, with the only possible exception being Shipwreck.
I don't want to paint a completely negative picture of the album because when taken for what it is, Rescue is a solid release. Shane Told puts on a decent performance with his usual mix of clean singing and guttural screaming but truly shines when he exposes himself emotionally, displaying a personal approach to the lyrics. Shipwreck was a wonderfully crafted story but at times lacked the honesty we're used to from Silverstein, not Rescue. "In Memory Of..." is a perfect example as Told recalls what it was like to lose a close family member. The album also features guest vocals from Anthony Raneri of Bayside and Brendan Murphy of Counterparts, not major contributions but add some extra flare on two of the stronger tracks ("Texas Mickey" and "The Artist"). Instrumentally the album doesn't stray too far from the typical formula, shifting between a dynamic mix of catchy melodic hooks and post hardcore aggression.
Silverstein have always had an incredible amount of potential but continue to play it safe, leaving a legacy of mediocre releases in their wake. As fans, we expect a band to develop over time, but Silverstein seem focused on refining rather than expanding and it shows. Though Rescue certainly has its moments, it's not enough to hold my interest.
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