World Against World

Intense, primal, garage rock rarely gets its just due. When it's performed by groups from Europe or Japan it seems even more marginalized. But Silver aren't too concerned about that judging by the fine track "Homesick" that kickstarts the record. It's a cross between Rancid at their punk best and the Mooney Suzuki. The relentless, frantic energy and tone continue on the brash, ballsy "Dogs & Locusts" and the equally fist-pumping, foot-stomping "The Personal Decay." The group rarely stray into different musical territory, relying on what works for them with "Son of Sam" although it does seem a tad too slick or polished. It comes off like a breather judging by the lean and rather mean "Only Boring People Get Bored" that is brimming with testosterone. Another highlight is "Field of Blood" that has a great singalong chorus. The album's low points are two interludes trying to instill fear yet might incite giggles, particularly the silly "The Resting Place." Fortunately the band atones for it with a magical, Sex Pistols-like "Quiet Havoc" that temporarily veers into a classic metal bridge. Silver also stretches themselves a bit on "Tormentors" that is four minutes of solid rock & roll. The black sheep of the album is the countrified "The Stand," a song better fit for a Mike Ness solo album. ~ Jason MacNeil