Review Summary: while it isn’t Discovering the Waterfront, Silverstein’s inspired, adventurous mix of old and new should please most Silverstein fans.
When you think about it, Silverstein hasn’t changed all that much. The band has always steadily improved or evolved over time, and that has been their preferred method of change. Perhaps their most drastic change was with their controversial album,
Arrivals and Departures, but even that showcased the same old band. Sure, they anchored their ship in a more melodic, and accessible release, but this floated very well with Silverstein’s already melodic style. Unfortunately, this was considered a letdown after such a raw, punk influenced album,
Discovering the Waterfront, and people begged for them to go back to the good old days. After that came
A Shipwreck in the Sand, which was considered a continuation/improvement upon the previous album’s direction, but this gave little hope to those who wanted the old Silverstein back. Naturally, all hope rested on the shoulders of
Rescue, for the album would either make or break the band. After all is said and done,
Rescue proves to be the rescue that the band needed since
Arrivals and Departures. This is a return to form of outstanding proportions.
Rather than attempting to ease album transitions by sounding too familiar, Silverstein enter with an immediate gut punch. The album opener, ‘Medication’, makes no mistake that the band is now on top of their game for once. The change immediately catches the ear. From thrash styled riffs to swift, punk drum beats, the opening track is a big “f you” to those who lost faith in them. ‘Medication’ isn’t the only absurdly aggressive track, though, and the aggression is a definite selling point for the album. The guitars are heavier, and the album is packed to the gills with improved screams. Silverstein is no longer a boring post-hardcore pretender. In their previous album, the screams were basic compensation for a lack of stick-it-to-the-man attitude, but this time around their implementations give character to the album. One can’t help but smile at some of the screamed lyrics such as:
We live to kill each other
We are the wealthy and the poor
We shout but we don't listen
All we want is more.
Silverstein have always mixed melody with aggression, and in this album they amp up both ends. This results in epic soundscapes that will leave your jaw on the floor. It also makes for a very fun album that makes their last two albums look absolutely trashy in comparison. The songs are finally connecting with the listener, for they are much grander in scope, and rife with passion. It is not often when the band sounds uninspired or sloppy. The last two tracks lack punch as the band’s song style becomes predictable from overuse, but this is quite welcome after an entirely ballsy album.
The band has finally broken out of its shell. No one really knows why they hid their potential for so long, but thankfully, they’re finally doing something with it. The only subpar aspect of the album is that most of the songs sound too similar, but this should not stop anyone from enjoying this album.
Rescue is a catchy, heart-filled effort from a band that is finally living up to its potential.
