Silver Synthetic’s sophomore effort is a wonderfully disparate jumble of genres.
The primary influence of “Rosalie,” the second album by New-Orleans’ Silver Synthetic, may be Josh Rouse’s “1970” and “Nashville” discs from the mid-2000s. It immediately suggests Rouse’s blend of mellow singer-songwriter pop with shades of Southern rock and country, although Silver Synthetic kick in their own unexpected twist. Indeed, the band’s relaxed, earnest vocals recall none other than power poppers The Records and The Shoes. Such a confluence of varying genres is what makes “Rosalie” so appealing. A new startling musical direction seems to materialize at every turn.
Even though steel guitarist Luke Schneider keeps half the songs grounded in country, a sax and flute sneak in a light jazz vibe on ‘Cool Blue Night.’ The title track, a touching tribute to vocalist Chris Lyons’ 70-year-old neighbour, features tumbling, laid-back Pavement-like guitars. A breezy organ and guitar mix gives ‘Only Time’ a funky homespun Band feel. ‘Age of Infamy,’ which sounds like early-period Wilco, is melodic, good-time rock, anchored by its ringing Big Star guitar breaks. ‘Choose a Life’ bops along in frenetic new wave fashion, while a vintage synthesiser buzz slides around at the end of ‘Red Light.’ The dark-hued, wistful spell of ‘Back Home’ is broken by the album closer ‘Right Time’ with its bright R&B guitar chords borrowed from Van Morrison’s ‘Wild Night.’
It may sound as if “Rosalie” is a jumble of diverse influences, and it is! Wonderfully so. Silver Synthetic’s smooth vocals and agile musicianship effortlessly keep the songs flowing, making their latest album one of the more striking surprises of the year so far.
