SILKWORM Italian Platinum (Touch and Go) Rating: NNN
Rating: NNNN
The first time around, this disc by post-punkers Silkworm seems like a fairly standard -- if sprawling -- indie rock record. Then you start to notice its complexities. Pieced-together, lurching tunes with good electric guitar riffs sit side by side with country-inspired porch songs. New wave-ish riffs are translated into rootsy terms, and saloon-style pianos add to more soulful numbers. The common thread is the raw, crunchy guitar, which adds a driving rock flavour to the most delicate tunes. The disc is bolstered by the stunning vocals of the soulful Kelly Hogan, whose rich tones adds girly warmth to the harmonies and backing accents.