It’s wild to think that Silverstein has been a band for 25 years. That is quite the accomplishment to achieve. The Ontario, Canadian post-hardcore/emo band has released 12 studio albums in that time and are getting ready to drop lucky number 13 with Pink Moon.
This 8-track album is set to be released on September 12 through UNFD. It is actually the second half of a double album that the band is releasing this year in honor of the anniversary. The first half, Antibloom, was released earlier this year. With this second half of the release, the band is pushing the emotions and dynamic contrasts even further. This album was recorded during the same sessions as Antibloom. but the songs on this release were sequenced with intention.
The album starts off with the soothing vocals of Shane Told over an atmosphere of sounds that instantly draw you in. You start thinking that this is going to be an album full of emo ballads that you could turn on and sip a coffee to. Then the next track, “Negative Space”, starts off with a kick to the teeth. Screaming and coming right at you. The album continues, mixing the screamo, emo, and post-hardcore elements throughout the songs. There are even a few breakdowns in there for the hardcore fans. The band ends the album with another soothing track with Shane whispering in your ear telling you that everything is going to be okay after taking you on an emotional rollercoaster through the songs. Overall, the tracks are fun and catchy with that top-notch sound that you’ve come to know and love from the scene forerunners, Silverstein.
When a band is as established in their sound and image as one like this and has been around for so long, you don’t expect too many curveballs from the sounds and songs that they offer you. There really isn’t anything groundbreaking here from the band. However, fans of the group will get exactly what they are expecting and will love it. The songs are solid, well written, and entertaining.
The production of the album sounds amazing as well. The guitars are thick and pummeling when they need to be. Also, it is calming and beautiful when it’s called for. There are keyboards and sounds going on through some of the songs that add to the atmosphere and intricacy of this true piece of art. I do love the whole packaging and can tell it was well thought out. The album artwork fits right in with the vibe of this release in what the band was trying to accomplish with it.
My personal top three tracks off this release are “Negative Space”, “Autopilot (feat. Cassadee Pope)”, and “Death Hold”. These tracks are so catchy, and the melodies will burrow into your brain. These will be on repeat for anyone who likes to sing along with their music. Overall, a solid release especially for a band who’ve been at it as long as they have and still have the motivation and drive to hone their craft and release solid music year after year. Congrats!
