Silo Hill is a singer songwriter originally from the Philadelphia area, USA and now based in the wilds of Wyoming. He’s just caught my attention through the release of his self-titled album.
By Graeme Smith
Though describing himself as a reclusive, Silo Hills shows us a part of his world with his music. His storytelling style has previously been compared to the likes of Elliott Smith and there’s a similar vulnerable approach to some of the tracks on Silo Hill. Contrasting them nicely are some rousing pop rock numbers that mean we are always kept guessing what’s to come next. Inspired by ’60s folk rock as much as he is ’90s and ’00s indie pop, Silo Hill gives us a wonderful mix of the two on his new album.
Opening track Here Goes Nothing is the perfect case in point. It’s at once stripped-back and raw, and lively and jangly, going through some intriguing transformations over its less than three minute run time. It’s the perfect scene setter.
From there we go on an emotional and varied journey. You’ve Got To Pull Yourself Together gives us rousing experimentation while Not There is strikingly nihilistic. Planet Earth 1999 is a vibrant combination of the two. Going Once, Going Twice is a delicate, pleading piano number with a soaring rock chorus. How Many is breezy and melodic with a memorable guitar solo. Start of Something ends the album with an angelic choir of layered vocals.
With his new album Silo Hill is making a case for himself as a master of the familiar and the unfamiliar. His sound draws on songwriter tradition and breaks new ground, giving us something quite unlike anyone else out there. I’m certainly looking forward to getting to know more about him and his music, and Silo Hill is the perfect place to start.
Silo Hill is available now as a digital download via Bandcamp and you can stream it below.