Melbourne psychedelic supergroup, The Silversound, turned in a performance for the ages when they launched their debut album at The Brunswick Ballroom on Sunday afternoon.
I wanted to leave this review for a couple of days so as I could remove the reverberating song-list from my head and try to write an objective piece, but it looks like it has become an enduring ear-worm, and doesn’t want to go (did I say there was a Wolf at your door?).
The band, Andrew Tanner (guitar, lead vocals) Leroy Cope (drums), Shane O’Mara (lead guitar) and Stu Thomas (bass, vocals) along with Rebecca Barnard (backup vocals) and Monique diMattina (Italian spoken word on ‘On’) took to the stage in the knowledge that their show was to be one played to a full house at the grand location that The Brunswick Ballroom is.
The album, which is their self-titled debut, was played in its’ entirety. I had previously reviewed both of the first two singles, Shaker and Wolf along with the album release, so was very pleased to be able to manage to get to Melbourne for the album release show.
To say that I love the album is an understatement, its’ polished production and beautifully-written, no-filler 10 songs being one of the absolute best releases of 2023 thus far.
The live performance left me even more appreciative of what a fine collective this group are. The magnificent interplay between O’Mara and Tanners reverbed guitars was a delight, all the while being solidly underpinned by the beat of Leroy Cope’s drumming, and the snake-like basslines of Stu Thomas’ Fender (and especially the grungey and filthy sound he produced throughout Rider).
Far from finishing the show by completing the tracks from the album, we, the gathered fans, were treated to one of the most sublime renditions of The Beatles masterpiece from their Revolver album, Tomorrow Never Knows. Being blown away twice at the same gig is a rarity, and is the perfect way to leave your audience…..wanting to come back for more.
Their live performance only enhanced my appreciation of what I believe this band to be – a purveyor of psychedelic rock of the finest order, who not only are able to bring to record their wonderfully complex compositions, but are able to reproduce this to the fullest (and with feeling) on stage.
All images: ©fullonrockphotography/Andrew Fuller
