Review: The Silver Liners “The Silver Liners” [EP]

Rock
The DC band The Silver Liners is back with a new six pack of an EP, which follows last year’s "Just Like The Rest" (reviewed here). The new one is self-titled and pretty much picks up where these good time rockers left off. Half of this EP is fantastic, the other half not so much. “Runnin' Through My Head” kicks things off, and it is a great fun and funky rocker – like Prince meets Collective Soul. “Hot Mess” is standard Silver Liners fare sure to please fans of the last EP – and surely pleased me. “American Girl” has a great vocal hook in the chorus that will have you singing along in no time. A couple of the other tracks had potential but just didn’t do it for me. “Better Than Your Boyfriend” is more like a great idea than a song – a cool riff and lyric, but it is too redundant and gets tiring about halfway through. “Without A Face” is a bit bland, and the effects applied to the vocals ruin it for me (Nemeyer has an awesome rock tone, so adding effects like this is like keying your favorite car). Fortunately, the EP ends well with the 80s-flavored rocker “Just Like The Rest” – great tune. Despite a couple missteps on this one, there is obviously a lot of potential in The Silver Liners, and I look forward to their next offering.

The Silver Liners on MySpace. Official site.

Review: Dan Miraldi "Tease" [EP]

You may recall the name Dan Miraldi as the man supplying keyboards and vocals to the DC band Silver Liners, which we reviewed back in June (review here). "Tease" is his latest solo effort - a high octane, three song EP that follows his 2009 debut, "Thirsty" (produced with award-winning Jim McKell). "Tease" was recorded with producer-engineer Kyle Downes.

Miraldi has also been in Cleveland-based bands such as Cherry Flavored Elevator and Exit Suburbia prior to his current stint in the Silver Liners. He cites his influences as "women and booze", but his musical style was forged by listening to Beatles and the Rolling Stones, and modern day acts such as the Format and Green Day. Consequently, he writes pop songs that have a garage rock vibe.

I hope "Tease" is a prelude to a full-length record because it surely whets the appetite. The three energetic songs play to his strengths and deliver a memorable hook while flaunting his fondness for alternative and indie rock. The title track and "The Holy Roller Stone Revival" are my favorites, but the laid back "Lucinda" provides a nice break between the two. I recommend Miraldi if you like Material Issue, Posies, and The Knack.

Dan Miraldi on MySpace. Official site. Get it.

Review: The Silver Liners "Just Like The Rest"

The DC music scene is predominated by indie pop these days, but The Silver Liners (Jay Nemeyer, guitar/vox; John Patton, guitar; Matt Hartenau, drums; Dan Miraldi, keys/vox; Ray Remesch, bass) just want people to get rocked. The boys have just released their seven song EP, "Just Like The Rest", which is available on iTUNES, Napster, and Amazon. The band has been featured on DC101's Local Lix and they've earned a finalist position in the Last Band Standing Contest. Now, they are hoping to reach out to the ears of rockers all across the US.

While you could safely describe the sound of The Silver Liners as modern rock, there are clear hints of 90s alternative rock influence. The combination works well and is going to be pleasing to fans of Foo Fighters to Fall Out Boy. We like them because The Silver Liners strive to craft a melody that stands out and hooks the listener - and generally they nail it. It is also refreshing to hear keyboards once again in rock music - Nemeyer has done a remarkable job incorporating the keys in tasteful fashion. The band's potential is maximized on infectious tracks like "Heard It From A Friend", "Inside Your Head", "Cheer Up Alex", and "Like Clay". Vocals are solid, but to my ears they seem drowned out at times because too much effect was applied.

"Just Like The Rest" is a fairly impressive start for a new band - keep at it, guys. You keep those catchy melodies coming and The Silver Liners will make a CD that can go gold.

iPOD-worthy: 2, 3, 6, 7

The Silver Liners on MySpace.