So often these days, “the real thing” is a term misapplied to too many prepackaged rock bands. It’s that propagandist, corporatized mentality that’s led many music die-hards to proclaim that rock is dead, or to cry out, “where have all the rock stars gone?”
When it comes to Silvertide, the fact is, real rock stars are born, not made – no matter the time, or place.
Without question, vocalist Walt Lafty proves that rock isn’t a business, it’s a life – one that should be lived as quickly and as ruthlessly as possible. For him, it’s best to just down a shot or two, close your eyes and jump in right away, rather than hold off another second. In the studio, he’s a quiet maestro, and you can see that Silvertide’s music courses through his veins just by looking at his eyes – they stare with a powerful intensity, sometimes just off in the distance. On stage, that reserved personality takes a back seat to audience conductor. Walt is the example of why guys get into rock – the lights, the booze, the girls in the front row…it’s all there.
Nick Perri is the fiercest lead guitarist out there, playing licks that defy convention, let alone gravity. He has the look of a friend, the smile of a playboy, and the accuracy of an assassin. And recently, he’s proven that a rock band is both fraternity and family by playing on a broken ankle that just won’t seem to heal. His doctors have avoided giving him any real pain meds because of the stigma that comes with messy hair, tattoos, and loud music, but rather than go home and cry, he pushes even harder, laying down chords that never quit. If he rocks this hard on one good foot, imagine what he could do on two.
Not to be outdone, bassist Brian Weaver and rhythm guitarist Mark Melchiorre, Jr. put their own take on rock divinity with a fury and pace all their own. During a typical show (if you can attempt to claim such a show exists) between blasting out tunes the two pass time throwing guitar picks at each other and jumping around on stage, never demanding focus that’s undeserved. Their on-stage playfulness and gyrations make the show edgy and fun from any angle, and during any song without slipping into a childish or inappropriate mentality.
Attitude and enthusiasm are not reserved for the guys right up front. Drummer Kevin Frank isn’t content to just sit and play – he wants to be as much a part of the rowdy roughhousing on stage, and is obviously a major part of the recording process offstage. With crazed expressions, frenzied beats and a propensity for throwing his hats and drumsticks, this guy is as much a part of the band as anyone, and never seems trapped behind cymbals and snares.
But most importantly, the music speaks for itself. It’s frenetic and tight, sure and confident, and it has every reason to be. There’s a real effectiveness to their lyrics and their music easily conjures up memories of great classic rockers like Jeff Beck, Led Zeppelin and the Allman Brothers.
“Ain’t Comin’ Home,” off their 2004 studio album, “Show & Tell” is a great homage to those rock gods and even though the comparisons are inevitable, their music stands on its own legs – never a rip-off, just a wonderful tribute. And Lafty’s command and stage presence connotes true timeless rock. The man, nay, the entire band is filled with nothing less than piss, vinegar and love running through their veins.
Silvertide isn’t anti-corporate rock, it’s just nothing short of perfection. Credit the fact that they aren’t pretending to be anything more than just five guys from Philly who obviously love to entertain.
In real rock and roll, performance is ten percent mental and 90 percent improvisational, and these guys never give any less. They also never give you a moment to catch your breath.
Lafty’s big musical pet peeve is “shoe-gazers” – artists who stare at their feet all night on stage.
“If you cant get excited about your own music, how do you expect others to,” he challenges.
After two years of touring, it’s obvious that Silvertide has come into their own as performers – no longer just a band with an album, but that wonderful mix of presence and entertainment that makes their music leap with anticipation for what comes next. They may have cut their teeth opening for other musicians but they are so much more than just a warm-up band – dirty, loud, excited, and most importantly, proud of it.
