This song is essential listening. ‘American Silence’ is all about the impassioned vocal and powerful lyrics of Chris Pierce. “Will you rise up when your comfort is in jeopardy?” asks Pierce in the song’s opening line. It follows that folk-tradition of protest songs that will, in his words, “…move your heart and mind.” Pierce hopes that we’ll all raise our voices, along with his, against the many injustices that still shame us, here in the 21st century. That soulful voice soars over simple, stripped-back guitar and harmonica and is lifted further by well-placed, angelic backing vocals. This single is the title track from Pierce’s new album, his ninth, which has just been released. It’s timeless and yet of its moment. It’s a plea for justice in an unjust world. It’s Americana with purpose. In his words, this music was written in, “…an extraordinary time of isolation, stillness, outrage and uncertainty.” Extraordinary times can lead to extraordinary music. Check out the new album.
Video: Chris Pierce “American Silence”
