Disco de Silverstein: “Discovering the Waterfront”

I remember back in the good old days('98, '99, or so)when the indie scene was still the indie scene and not all over MTV and on the radio. Back then you pretty much had hardcore bands or punk bands. Then there were a few bands that you just couldn't quite classify. These were the bands that have now been termed "screamo". I look back at the beginnings of this branch of music and find that it all stemmed from three bands and three of their albums: Hot Water Music "Fuel For The Hate Game", Grade "Under The Radar", and Keepsake "The End Of Sound". I remember back then being amazed at these bands doing things I had never heard before: meshing poppy melodies, clean vocals, and growling screams. And now, it seems to me anyway, that there's not a single band around today that's not doing it.

Which brings me to Silverstein's "Discovering The Waterfront". Its not a bad album by any means. They're obviously talented musicians with a good singer and a knack for catchy hooks. There are some good toetappers here: 'Your Sword vs. My Dagger'(which could easily get decent radio play), 'Discovering The Waterfront', and 'Fist Wrapped In Blood' being some of the more standout tracks.

I can't really say anything bad about the band or their music except for they pretty much sound like every other band out there thats doing this genre right now. Screamo has hit the mainstream in a big way recently(i.e. Taking Back Sunday, My Chemical Romance, Hawthorne Heights, etc.)and somebody needs to do something to rise above the rest of the crowd because just about everyone sounds the same.

"Discovering The Waterfront" is a decent album but it just doesn't amaze me. If you are into screamo its worth a listen or two. But personally, I'd recommend that you go buy albums by the bands I mentioned earlier: Hot Water Music, Grade, or Keepsake and hear what screamo was like when it was new, fresh, still finding its legs, and before it got a bit stale.

I Have listened to both Discovering the Water Front and When Broken is Easily Fixed but i have to say DTWF is much much better. Unlike many modern bands who enhance their voices to make them sound better SIlverstein dosent do it and they sound great. I saw them live in pittsburgh in october and it was amazing. All of their songs are good to listen to unlike some bands who have boring terrible songs just to fill space on the album. Currently my favorite song on the album is Call it Karma but i still think all the other songs are great too. Overall if you like emo/scremo music buy it see how you like it u might be supprised.

This album is definitely different from the last album. It is more fast paced and has a different feel to it. Overall, it is definitely a better album though, reflecting all the ways the band has grown and progressed since the release of "When Broken is Easily Fixed." Though it might not have a gut-wrenching anthem like "My Heart Bleeds No More" as a whole the album has a consistent theme of heartbreak, pain, and then redemption. Check out "Always and Never" and "Three Hours Back."

Lately, a lot of bands that I like have released sophomore albums that haven't really been up to par. EX- Emery's The secret.

At first I was skeptical about this one because I really liked when broken is easilly fixed but with all the bad 2nd tries happening lately, I assumed it would not be worth the money, that I should just wait an buy it used. Well, finally I broke and decided to get her...

Wow, good idea! This album is in no way a weak follow up to the band's debut. In fact it much improves on their sound. it's catchier, more technical, and just better. The one beef I had with Silverstien's debut was that for every awesome song on there, following it would be one after it that would be slow and sucky. That doesn't occur nearly as much on here. There's only like 2 slow songs and they aren't that bad either. So your getting a more band for your buck here.

I also must say that the dudes have really given themselves a tune up. Sure the same Silvertien song structure is here: the usual slow sad and catchy intro followed by the rest of the song that manages to pick you up and throw you across the room.

Not only that, but the guitar work is a lot more technical here. I admit at first listen, some of the riffs here sounded a bit trivial at times, but after you get used to it, things start to come together. Plus, the drumming on here is done a lot better than last time around. The fills aren't repetive as was the case sometimes on WBIEF.

However, I so have a few problems with this one. Remember when I said that this one was a lot catchier that WBIEF. Well, in the process of "popifying" the sound, they sacrifice a lot of the heaviness they used to have. Don't get me wrong though, DTWF is still very heavy, but not quite as much as I liked before. I guess they were told if they didn't make this one a bit more radio friendly, they wouldn't make it to their third CD deal. But this happens to a lot of bands. This scares me though, because this is a route reminiscent of the one Hawthorne heights took earlier this year, and I think we all know what happened to them. (No more real fans just teenie boopers ECT)

Still, despite those minor things, this one still retains a sound that defies the mainstream emo. TOld still screams a lot and let me tell you he does it just as good as before. The lyrics are a bit better too. It's not the sad whinney emo stories of WBIEF. The subject matter here reminds of a more mature silverstien.

So what can I say about this overall? Silverstien refine their sound and it works too! Pros-Catchier, Better drums and guitar, and less throway tracks. Cons-not as heavy, a little repetive but just barely.

I would tell you to go get this if you like Screamo or even emo. If you like WBIEF and are fearing the Sophomore slump, don't worry! This one delivers!

Silverstein is a band that doesn't go softer nor harder on their second album, they pretty much stay the same to keep old fans and gain new ones. Discovering the Waterfront is one of 2005's best sophmore release other then As I Lay Dying's Shadows are Security (yes AILD made two other CDs but they didn't stand out)I seems that the screaming has been toned down the least bit, which is a loss for some fans but nothing huge. Silverstein even includes a DVD with great live proformances and making of the new CD. Overall its a great CD, with catchier chouruses and mixed around screaming that adds new meat to the album. Highlights of this CD:

Your Sword versus my Dagger- great opener, fast catchy, just a great song

Smile in Your Sleep- Great single, hard yet soft at the same time

Fist Wrapped in Blood- Screaming all over this track with great guitar work

Discovering the Waterfront- Best slow memorable song from silverstein yet, awesome song

Defend You- Replaces Bleeds no More on this CD same intenseness, in your face

Always and Never- May be the song with the most screaming in it, mayb not the hardest guitar song but lots of screaming and good chorus