Silverstein - Discovering the Waterfront
Record Label: Victory Records
Release Date: August 16, 2005
As this is the band that introduced me to the emo/hardcore scene, I was worried that this review may seem a little biased. But that was before I actually listened to the whole album. After listening to Discovering the Waterfront the whole way through, my beliefs have been confirmed even more that Silverstein are exceptionally great musicians and songwriters.
The album starts off with "Your Sword vs. My Dagger," which starts the album off with hammer-on riff and beautiful vocals by lead singer Shane Told, who combines his singing and screaming voice perfectly. The beginning of the album was the ideal place for the band to put this song, as it sets the tone for the rest of the album. The first single from the album, "Smile In Your Sleep," is up next, complete with a catchy chorus and a very smooth sounding tapped verse. The breakdown of the song is amazing, as it truly showcases Told's emotion and anger perfectly.
"Ides of March" is also good, filled with an ominous verse and a chorus that doesn't disappoint. "Fist Wrapped In Blood" is another great track (even if the violent lyrics do get a bit ridiculous) and it leads to the title track of the album. "Discovering the Waterfront" could be the best song on the album, as it ties the whole concept of the album together. It features backup singing by bassist Billy Hamilton, and although it is not perfect, it certainly is a breath of fresh air to have a softer song in the middle of all these fast-paced hardcore screamers.
After the title track, the energy continues in "Defend You," "My Heroine," and "Always and Never," another one of my favorites. It's obvious that Silverstein didn't write it as a filler; it must have taken lots of effort to write the riffs for that song. The songs remain solid until the end track, "Call It Karma," which finishes off the album with a positive message and is also the perfect choice for the end of the album.
Throughout the album Silverstein shows a surprising amount of creativity for an emo band, demonstrated by the very strange riff throughout "Defend You," or the writing skills obviously needed to write songs like "Always and Never," "Smile In Your Sleep," or "Your Sword vs. My Dagger." They also prove themselves as great musicians and performers (as shown on the live DVD that comes with the album).
There are few problems I have with the album. One is Told's repetitive lyrics. Many of the songs' lyrical content is about pain and suffering (metaphors for emotions), which is fine to use in moderation, but gets old after a whole album. Another is that it is slightly under-produced. I realize the producer should never get too much in control of a record, but I think at least for the single "Smile In Your Sleep," he would throw in some of his own tricks to promote the song.
Overall, after listening to this album, it became one of my favorites of the year, and Silverstein did become my favorite bands. Fans should expect more great things from Silverstein; they have a lot of potential.
definately something different about this band. you want to say "emo" because of the sound. but the energy they give off is definately not that of the "i cut myself to feel" genre.
definately something different about this band. you want to say "emo" because of the sound. but the energy they give off is definately not that of the "i cut myself to feel" genre.
If this is recommend if you like Alesana, it's not recommended to anyone.
RIYL screamo bands that have very good vocals.
No its recommended if you like bands like Senses Fail or Alexisonfire.
Alesana sucks! They are nothing like Silverstein. I hate when people confuse good bands with crappy scene bands. Its like me saying If you like Bring me the Horizon youl like The Bled.
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