A Fan's NotesI moved from New Jersey to Rhode Island about five years ago, leaving behind a music scene (based in Asbury Park) that I loved. Naturally one of my first priorities in my new home was to find some local bands to follow. It should come as no surprise that a college town like Providence is something of a hot spot for young bands, and I’ve heard some really good music in my time here.

Last year I began to hear people talking about a Providence-based band called the Silks. In this Internet age it’s easy to listen to pretty much any band, at any time, so I went in search of some Silks musics, and I was immediately taken by the hard-edged blues rock that the band was making. My “discovery” of the band more or less coincided with the release of their debut album Last American Band, which was produced by none other than Paul Westerberg.

The next priority was to go and see the band play live. They do a lot of gigging around Providence, and in the Boston area, but their travels regularly take them to Connecticut, New York and Pennsylvania as well. I’m happy to report that the Silks are one of those bands whose recorded music sets you up so that their live set can knock you down. They’re one of those bands that when you see them for the first time, you know right away that you’ll be going back for more … and more.

The Silks

Led by smoking guitarist Tyler-James Kelly, who is joined by the rock solid rhythm section of bassist Jonas Parmalee and drummer Sam Jodrey, the Silks are about to release their second album, Turn Me On. The new album builds on the band’s strengths while venturing into some new territory along the way.

Turn Me On is available for pre-sale now at Bandcamp. It will be released on July 29.

The album’s opening track, “All the Way,” gives you pretty much everything you need to know. A wicked fuzz-guitar opening lick is soon joined by a powerful lead vocal from Kelly, while Parmalee and Jodrey hold it all down in a powerful groove. Before long you’ll be pumping your fist as Kelly howls that he was ” … born this way.” “Blue” is one of those departures I mentioned, deep southern soul that could easily have come out of Memphis or Muscle Shoals. The album’s first single is “Let it Ride,” and recalls the heyday of great, gritty ’70s southern rock bands like Blackfoot.

But you don’t need me to tell you about the music because Popdose is proud to be streaming the new album exclusively. So without further adieu, I give you the brand new Silks album, Turn Me On.

[bandcamp width=400 height=406 album=3740124640 size=large bgcol=ffffff linkcol=0687f5 artwork=small tracklist=true tracks=2233822828,1606514824,1296016212,3703928413,405218461,3064278926,2345457243,2291483805 esig=4cc7901935121fcb1012e163127f00f1]

 

The Silks

The Silks on tour:

July 29: Gloucester, CT – Katrina’s
July 30: Willimantic, CT – The Electric
August 11: Putnam, CT – The Stomping Ground (CD Release Show)
August 12: Providence, RI – Aurora (CD Release Show)
August 13: Boston, MA – Atwood’s Tavern (CD Release Show)
Sept 18: Worcester, MA – Worcester Fest 2016
Sept 22: Boston, MA – Copenhagen Beer Festival 2016
Oct. 1: Pottsville, PA – Lester Fest
Oct. 8: Gloucester, MA – Katrinas

About the Author

Ken Shane

Ken Shane lives in Narragansett, R.I. He is a freelance writer and far and away the oldest Popdose writer. In fact, he may be the oldest writer, period. He wants you to know that he generally does not share his colleagues' love for the music of the '80s, and he does not forgive them for loving it. (Ken passed away in November 2022. R.I.P. —Ed.)

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