The Silent Comedy: Friends Divide review

Given the current resurgence of folk type music, it’s no surprise that there’s a plethora of bands jumping on board and attempting to grab their own slice of the pie. All too often though, the results are bland, meaningless, and just plain boring, based around the conventions of pop music whilst trying to sound unique  – not so with The Silent Comedy.

Born out of a desire to create music from an early age, The Silent Comedy draws on the experiences of brothers Jeremiah and Joshua Zimmerman including travels around the world and the elements of music experienced at their various stops, from the foothills of the Himalayas to the varied styles of the US. Eventually gathering momentum in 2006 before releasing their debut studio EP in 2008, The Silent Comedy plugs the gap between folk and rock, offering up their own unique take on the genre and attracting support where ever they’re heard. Add in performances with the likes of Mumford And Sons, Razorlight, The Black Keys and MGMT and it’s fair to say they have achieved their target of reaching out to the masses with their music.

The most recent release from The Silent Comedy, Friends Divide, attempts to continue to showcase their irrepressible style whilst demonstrating their determination to be seen and heard the world over, and once people catch on to the Oasis like tones and melodies of “Always Two,” there’s every chance that they’re only going to get bigger.

It’s impossible to judge the record based on opening track, “God Neon,” as quite simply, the rest of the record refuses to follow convention and instead, diversifies from moment to moment, keeping the listener guessing as to what’s to follow.

Inevitably we’re introduced to the banjo-laden rhythms and mass vocal styles, yet somehow through their experience and understanding, the balance of the music is maintained, resulting in tracks which are rock and folk, all at the same time. Stand out moments are “Always Two,” the similarly formed “Light Of Day,” and the intricately pieced together “You Don’t Know Me,” drawing the listener through a journey which takes in 90’s brit-rock style moments, and Newton Faulkner-esque moments of serene calm.

You’d be forgiven for assuming what you’re in for when hearing a band refered to as ‘folk’, but The Silent Comedy have taken the genre and firmly made it their own. With track after track that will lure you in and keep you listening to see what they’re going to do next, Friends Divide is an album that’s perfectly suited for this time of year, packed with sunshine and good time vibes.

Rating: 8/10

-Dave Nicholls