Silverstein is one of my favourite post-hardcore bands, which has gained critical acclaim and garnered tremendous fan support for their aggressive, melodic tracks and the emotional quality of their lyrics. The band has released eight studio albums and three EPs and has sold over 1 million albums worldwide. It is one of Canada’s best musical exports. In this On My Playlist, I will look back at their 2013 release and my favourite tracks from the album, This Is How The Wind Shifts.
Silverstein consists of Josh Bradford – rhythm guitar; Paul Koehler – drums, percussion; Shane Told – lead vocals; Billy Hamilton – bass, backing vocals and Paul Marc Rousseau – lead guitar, backing vocals.
5. Hide Your Secrets
The clean guitar intro in this track instantly catches your attention. Told sings a melancholy verse that fits in perfectly with Rousseau’s harmonic notes and snare pattern from Koehler. The song then picks up in the second part of the verse as the guitars and drums come in. It focuses on how relationships should be nurtured and, if not, can cause displeasure and dismay. There is a yearning for reconciliation in the beautifully written chorus ‘Can I save you? Will it make me feel like I’m in heaven and stay true to me? Will it make you feel the same way I do?’ But, in the end, the insecurities drive people apart. The chorus and the vibe around it are the best aspects of the track. The lead guitar and Told’s soaring vocal lines in the chorus stand out.

4. On Brave Mountains We Conquer
Post-hardcore at its finest would be one way of describing this tantalising track from Silverstein. It focuses on self-discovery after a path of hurt and deception. The number is mainly guitar driven and exudes power from the start. It is one of the best songs on the album in terms of lyrical messages and musical force.
‘My name is anything that I want it to be. I’m striking chords in a way you’ve never seen. But I’m a longshot, we fought the fight at last I can take it, I will make it now.
I never thought you would leave me here. A jaded mess full of hate and fear. I’m playing the victim but I only have myself to blame. I’ll rename, restart this game.’

3. In Silent Seas We Drown
The opening guitar riff from Bradford and Rousseau is typically post-hardcore and starts this track off on a brilliant head-banging note. This riff is not overcomplicated but it strikes a chord in its essence. Told is at his best with his clean and unclean vocals shining in this song: ‘We are come so far against these minds. Been on my back for way too long But now I realise it’s not my problem. With carelessness, I will try to solve them,’ he sings.
The bridge is also excellent with its thunderous breakdown riff that will get you moving. The lyrics work perfectly to create the tension in this track: ‘I silenced everyone I silenced everyone. I’ve silenced all my critics. Silenced them all except myself.’

2. Stand Amid The Roar
This aggressive opening track is one of my favourites. Its guitar riff and various musical elements give it some much-needed balance. The song starts off with a palm-muted guitar riff from Bradford before Told and the rest of the band speed things up with a screaming first verse. The guitar riff and the lyrics are spellbinding: “Did I forget who I was? Did I forget just where I came from? Did I just lose who I am? This is the fine line I stand.’
This number focuses on identity and its many complications, especially if circumstances get out of hand. The clean bridge slows things down in reflecting on how things have turned out: ‘I’m not so confident. I’m going to be the one who takes the next step. I’m a cyclone, passion overblown. Tied to the tides that pull me in the undertow.’

1. Massachusetts
This is my favourite track on the album, mainly for its intensity, not only in the vocals but also in terms of the instrumentation. The song focuses on abusive relationships and their various issues and factors. Told starts the track with a furious scream ‘She’s cutting out the bruises Forgetting her excuses for being here again with a suitcase packed and waiting by the door. In her head, convinced herself she hasn’t lost enough to quit.’ This describes the conflicted thoughts of the woman who is a part of the abusive relationship.
One of the finest moments is the song’s breakdown in the bridge with a heavy riff that adds to the track’s deep, crucial message.
Told’s scream of ‘It won’t happen again!’ is also brilliant Overall, one of Silverstein’s best offerings.