THE SILOS
When the Telephone Rings (Dualtone)
Reviewed by Erick Mertz

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The Silos are the definition of a band that is extremely talented but leaves me utterly ambivalent about their sound. A finely produced, well practiced mish mash of country rock and blues, their leanings are strong toward early 90's alt grunge; the best comparison I can draw on is Soul Asylum. Perhaps this impression is so undeniable because Walter Salas-Humara's nasal sneer is almost dead on with Dave Pirner's, showing a little more control and range. It might be unfair to the Silo's, considering Soul Asylum's confused place between punk and country at the cross roads of indie rock; when the Telephone Rings after all is an unabashed country rock album. Strong tracks are "Dumbest on Parade" and "Take a Hit," the last two on the record, which begs the question if anyone will be around to listen long enough to hear them.

© 2004 - Erick Mertz