Rob's Album Of The Week: The Silks' Last American Band

By Rob Duguay

The heart of the blues is all about letting loose of what ails you, being able to groove and be smooth while doing it. If there is a band that epitomizes what the blues is all about, you don't have to look any further than The Silks from Providence. The power trio consisting of Jonas Parmelee on bass, Matthew Donnelly on drums lead by Tyler-James Kelly on electric guitar and vocals  have been ripping up the music scene in The Creative Capital for a while now. They are releasing their debut album Last American Band this week and it's truly something special. Rock & roll soul capped off with Tyler's howling voice encompasses The Silks' infectious sound and you're bound to do the boogie woogie.

For all you fans of The Replacements, Paul Westerberg played an integral part in producing the album and you can tell by the gritty edginess on each track. Straight up juke joint stuff, beer slingin' and whiskey shootin' music that makes you want to take a few back to get good & tight. A few songs have that intimate vibe while the majority of the album makes you want to pump up the volume as high as you can and scare the neighbors. There's also a 70's era classic rock aesthetic lingering in Last American Band that gives the album a timeless feel, it's like as if the styles of The Allman Brothers, Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin got welded together and became The Silks. 

Have you noticed a chill in the air? Maybe you decided to wear the ugliest sweater you own that's covered in Christmas trees, jack-'o-lanterns, turkeys and the most awful color combinations ever today. Or maybe you decided to be bold and wear a pair of shorts for what could be the final time this year. One thing that can definitely heat you up are my recommendations for what tracks you should listen to first off of my Album Of The Week. It's not quite as cool as a bonfire with your friends, but if you're currently drinking a six pack then I can promise a similar experience. Anyways, here goes something:

"Down At The Heel" actually has Westerberg joining The Silks on rhythm guitar, right when you hear the first riff you just want to bang your head and go insane. "All In The Family" is a ramblin' man anthem that has an amplified twang coming from Tyler's guitar to give it a fantastic rustic tone. "Mountain Man" has that groove to make you move, if this doesn't make you cut a rug on your kitchen floor then I don't know what will. "Big Talking Man" hits you like a wrecking ball hitting a nuclear reactor, every downbeat socks it to your gut. I always say that you shouldn't just take my word on a few, and I say that with good reason. Every track off of Last American Band is sure to make you stomp your feet and have a rip roaring good time.

The Silks will be opening for Black Joe Lewis at Fete on September 24th which should be one of the best shows of the year. Be sure that The Silks will be doing a little tour in support of the new album and if they roll through your neighborhood make sure to go for one hell of a time. Until they rock your favorite music venue, you have to get your hands on The Silks' Last American Band. It's  another jewel to go on the crown that is the Providence music scene.