Silos
(Sonic Pyramid)
Over the course of their 25-year career, the Silos have earned an enviable reputation as one of the nation's sturdiest outfits, given a fierce touring schedule that finds them continually gigging both here and abroad. A string of outstanding albums has added to that legacy, and though various personnel changes and shifts in record company affiliation have prompted detours along the way (with the death of bassist/pedal steel player Drew Glackin dealing an especially cruel blow), under the ongoing stewardship of front man Walter Salas-Humara, the band's steadfast trajectory has been admirably maintained.
Happily then, their new album, Florizona (a name that tags Salas-Humara's former Florida environs with his adopted home in Arizona) finds a regrouped band summoning up renewed inspiration with what may well be the best album yet issued under the Silos' collective banner. That's an impressive claim, given their recorded legacy so far... but it's merited nevertheless. Essentially a teenage travelogue stirred by adolescent wanderlust, it looks back on coming of age experiences from both a knowing and nostalgic point of view. The songs ring with anthemic determination, and the sweep of songs like "Coming From the Grave," "On Your Way Home," "White Vinyl," "Getting Trashed" and "Teenage Prayer" soar with unapologetic urgency and abandon. Even so, the ragged ballad "Gravity" offers up the most affecting interlude, Salas-Humara's scarred vocals reflecting the sound of man who's given his all and is ready for a reprieve.
"Gravity/Look at me,
Disappearing Act/Make it up,
Let it drop,
The weight off my back."
Fortunately though, it appears Walter's spoken too soon. As evidenced by its grit and determination, Florizona suggests he's not ready to let go just quite yet.
DOWNLOAD: "Gravity," "Getting Trashed," "Teenage Prayer" LEE ZIMMERMAN
