Rescue

Personnel: Anna Jarvis (cello).
Audio Mixer: Cameron Webb.
Recording information: Cherry Beach, Toronto, Ontario; Sundown Studio, Guelph, ON.
With their fifth album now under their belt, Silverstein continue to prove themselves to be one of the most consistent bands in post-hardcore, and in a genre that constantly shifts as much as theirs does, that's saying something. On Rescue, as with their other albums, what works for Silverstein is that rather than chasing production trends, they've decided to focus on polishing their own approach, sticking fervently to a sound that seems at times to mix equal parts Victory Records and Fat Wreck Chords, fusing driving skatepunk with breakdown-heavy screamo to make music that feels as if it's always hurtling forward, even during its more melodic moments. The opening track, "Medication," really showcases what the band does best, feeling like the post-hardcore answer to NOFX's "Linoleum" with its rapid-fire beat and soaring feeling. With this hybrid sound in their arsenal, Silverstein don't need to worry about reinventing the wheel, but rather are able to think about refining the very good wheel they've been selling for over a decade. While this approach probably isn't going to make new fans out of anyone who just doesn't get what the band is going for, it certainly makes Rescue an easy sell for the initiated. ~ Gregory Heaney