Silverchild – The Red Desert EP

I caught a live set by Silverchild a few weeks ago when they were part of a four band bill at the Underground in Stoke and was so impressed I had to check out their recorded material, so here are my thoughts on their seismic The Red Desert EP. You always wonder if a band can capture the same intensity in the studio as they show onstage and my fears were quelled by the guitar feedback from Vic Jepson that opens first track ‘Firebird’. The early Motorhead like rawness of the main riff gives it an edge as vocalist Alex Hiley takes command with a powerful laid back drawl. A riff heavy midsection ups the heaviness ante to the maximum!

   ‘Black Cat’ is a dynamically heavy bombast of sleaze, like early Love Hate which can only be described by an old Wildhearts quote as “Riff after riff after motherfucking riff”. The main riff of ‘Red Desert’ brings to mind ‘Drifter’ by Iron Maiden which is no bad thing as the heavy, raunchy grooves catapult the song into the stratosphere. Some mighty howls from Alex push the noise levels into the red. The quirky ‘Jukebox Junkie’ begins with some bluegrass like guitar noodling as yet more glorious feedback leads into a monstrous riff. More muscle is added by a gnarly lead vocal and drumming overload from Al Burne.

Closing track ‘Dictator’ sees Alex save her most powerful vocal till last over a biting, vintage Scorpions like main riff which is cranked out to make headbanging essential.  The EP is available directly from the band for £5. Check out their tour dates, you will not be disappointed.

Silverchild band line up : –

Alex Hiley – Lead vocals.

Vic Jepson – Guitar.

Max Ryles – Bass guitar.

Al Burne – Drums.

The Red Desert EP track listing :-

Firebird.

Black Cat.

Red Desert.

Jukebox Junkie.

Dictator.