Steve Silverton - Rivers And Roads

Steve Silverton

Rivers And Roads
self-rleased; 2016

3.7 out of 5

By April H
​

Steve Silverton recorded this set of original songs under the album River and Roads as a self- described collection of heartfelt songs tied to a loss of sorts and also maybe even finding something along the way in an ironic twist. You can certainly hear the influence of Dylan on this album from this self-professed fan.

The album starts off with “This Road Turns to Sand” as you can hear the emotion in the raw vocal style. It’s got a solid folk like styling with just enough classic rock to keep it interesting and tie in Silverton's guitar talents. I enjoyed listening to the music unfold and knowing that he was able to take his guitar talents often used with other elements to focus on something so personal. He really doesn't need much more than the vocals and his guitar, that is more than enough.

“Back to the Flow” seems to be a coming out anthem of sorts or maybe even more of a running away from something song that may strike a chord with many listeners. It's a story about just moving forward when you aren't really sure where you have been if that makes sense. Again the raw vocals are fantastic and the guitar is the perfect accompaniment. This song was sad in a deeply touching way but not hopeless. “Higher Light” continues down this same path. 

“Pocket Universe” was a break from the first few cuts and a quirky take on that leap of faith into the unknown of religion. It was upbeat but almost in a mocking way and odd enough to be catchy. It seemed to be exactly what the sad mood of the album demanded at the time. The guitar talents of Silverton are front and center in this piece. 

“Loser's Game” was by far one of my favorite songs of the album. It seemed to be a bit of a recovery from the loss but also still very real. It seemed wise and very much a nod to the influence of Dylan. “Thread” seems to continue the story from the “Loser's Game.”

The overall feeling and true emotion of the album left me rooting for Silverton to find a way out of the sadness and I was happy to hear the change in “Traveling On.” 

​This is a good album  and appreciated the way story weaved together personal ancedotes and ubquitious emotion. The guitar was an almost effortless extension to help the story along as well. I hope he finds the rainbows he mentions along the way through the storm.

Tweet