Silk Letdown – Sounds for Sore Eyes (Album Review)

Today’s review features Pacific Northwest, USA, alternative rock band Silk Letdown’s new album “Sounds for Sore Eyes.” A fresh yet familiar sound combining elements of funk rock, grunge, and West Coast Alternative that pays homage to the golden era of alternative rock while injecting it with a modern edge, high-energy riffs, infectious melodies, and funky grooves, even blues and jazz riffs. The band’s influences are Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stone Temple Pilots, and Incubus.

Silk Letdown formed in October 2023 when Pierce Guderski and Paul Shamy connected through a Portland music group on Facebook. Paul was looking to expand the sound from his current project, and Pierce wanted to take that momentum and merge everything into something new. Both seasoned musicians with deep roots in the Portland scene, they quickly realized their shared vision: to craft music that not only moves people but also challenges them musically.

Silk Letdown was born from this ambition. Recent additions include Josh DeDiego on drums with lots of experience in the Pacific Northwest music scene, as well as Chris Gruchacz on guitar. Silk Letdown is on a mission to reinvigorate rock music by balancing accessibility with intricate musicianship. Their songs are designed to evoke strong emotions, whether it’s the urge to dance, headbang, run a marathon, or sit back and reflect. They refuse to settle for passive listening—every track is an experience.

So let’s have a listen …

The album kicks off with the epic song Big Blue. The album starts off with what sounds like an out-of-tune guitar strumming the main riff. From there on, everything seems to be in tune. Quite the power guitar riffs. I’m liking the bass player on this album. The vocalist sounds good, reminding me of Anthony Kiedas. The bass line is sick during the middle breakdown, very funky. Nice lead guitar solo. “I want to take you to the water side.”

Too Much starts quickly with the vocals and the full band. Again, the bass line is great. Very nice song arrangement. I like the funky guitar riffage. The bassist is definitely keeping my attention. “I saw too much.” I like the sync between the bass and lead guitar in the middle break. “I’m sorry I said too much.” I’m digging the lyrics in this song.

Too Far starts with drums and a funky bass riff. Lead guitar comes in sailing over the top of the mix. Very driving riff, once it gets going. Sounds a bit like Soundgarden in the vocal. Maybe Red Hot Chili Peppers too. I like the sound, vocal effects, on the vocals; very nice mix and production. The lead guitar solo on this song is epic! Y’all definitely need to hear this.

Fever Dog starts with a heavy rhythm guitar chugging-style riff. I’m digging the vocals on this track, more reverb. Very funky guitar riffs. I’m a classic rock DJ, and this track reminds me of the best of what I like about that sound. I like that this band keeps everything a bit funky, but it’s definitely on the alternative rock and grunge side of the music equation. Drum and vocals breakdown in the middle. Nice stop section at the end of the song.

Remember When starts with a stuttering delay riff of the rhythm guitar. This song has more of a power pop sound, reminding me of some 90s bands. Digging the rhythm guitar riff, very RHCP. Sounds just like them. Then the lead guitar breaks into an early-70s style guitar solo, nice. I like the effects on the vocals toward the end of the song. The lead guitar sound reminds me of the band Kansas. Guitars have that same quality.

Alexandria is an acoustic guitar-driven song. Add bass, drums, and vocals. The vocal mixing sounds excellent on this song, really nice. Strings/keyboards are added to provide a lift in the second vocal section. Then right when the middle break come up, an electric guitar finally takes centre stage. Nice song. About a girl.

Facedown starts with a scratchy electric rhythm guitar. Drums sound epic on this recording. Drums can be tricky to capture in a studio, but they nail the recording and the mix here. This track, more than the others, reminds me of some of my favorite 70/80s bands – think Guns N Roses, Aerosmith.

8 Ball starts off with drums and a power guitar riff, but the bass thumping really captures my attention. Nice funky lead guitar riff. I’m really digging the song arrangements on this album – so many changes, not boring at all. Every song is crafted with care of a great songwriter. The bass with a synth filter sounds epic, as does the tasty lead guitar solo. Another epic tune!

SCORE/Outstanding: Silk Letdown’s new album, “Sounds for Sore Eyes” will keep you grooving and dancing through the whole album. Expertly crafted, mixed, and produced songs that change so quickly they keep your attention. The musical performances on this album are off the charts! I particularly like the bass player on this album. Well-done! If you like funky rock (aka RHCP), pick this album up … soon. Much love, Beth

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