Discovering the Waterfront [CD+DVD]

Silverstein | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 16, 2005)
• Original Release Date: 2005
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: CD+DVD
• Label: Victory Records
• ASIN: B000A2HA0G
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (52 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,697 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #56 in Music > Alternative Rock > Hardcore & Punk > Emo
  • #60 in Music > Alternative Rock > Hardcore & Punk > Punk Revival

Editorial Reviews

Perspective plays a key role in Silverstein's new album, "Discovering The Waterfront." It is a central theme in songs that explore self-determination and coping with change. Addiction to negative relationships is another recurrent theme, from the opening track; "Your Sword Versus My Dagger" to "My Heroine," lyricist/vocalist Shane Told is beyond candid as he tells stories of obsession, hopelessness and ultimately redemption. The music is flawlessly executed, with powerful instrumentation and the melodic/raw vocal juxtaposition that Told delivers seamlessly.

Silverstein formed in Burlington, Ontario, on the outskirts of Toronto in 2000. Emerging from the thriving hardcore scene in their hometown, the band began honing their sound, and recording whenever possible. Two EPs followed and a former member of Grade began talking the band up to his friends at Victory Records. The band signed with Victory shortly afterward. They released "When Broken Is Easily Fixed" which went on to sell over 200,000 copies worldwide, earning the band a spot in Alternative Press' 100 Bands You Need To Know in the spring of 2005.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Another Drop In The Bucket Of Screamo, September 10, 2005

By 

Arthur Kicker "Ragged, Tagged, and Bodybagged" (Your Mom's House) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Discovering the Waterfront (Audio CD)

I remember back in the good old days('98, '99, or so)when the indie scene was still the indie scene and not all over MTV and on the radio. Back then you pretty much had hardcore bands or punk bands. Then there were a few bands that you just couldn't quite classify. These were the bands that have now been termed "screamo". I look back at the beginnings of this branch of music and find that it all stemmed from three bands and three of their albums: Hot Water Music "Fuel For The Hate Game", Grade "Under The Radar", and Keepsake "The End Of Sound". I remember back then being amazed at these bands doing things I had never heard before: meshing poppy melodies, clean vocals, and growling screams. And now, it seems to me anyway, that there's not a single band around today that's not doing it.

Which brings me to Silverstein's "Discovering The Waterfront". Its not a bad album by any means. They're obviously talented musicians with a good singer and a knack for catchy hooks. There are some good toetappers here: 'Your Sword vs. My Dagger'(which could easily get decent radio play), 'Discovering The Waterfront', and 'Fist Wrapped In Blood' being some of the more standout tracks.

I can't really say anything bad about the band or their music except for they pretty much sound like every other band out there thats doing this genre right now. Screamo has hit the mainstream in a big way recently(i.e. Taking Back Sunday, My Chemical Romance, Hawthorne Heights, etc.)and somebody needs to do something to rise above the rest of the crowd because just about everyone sounds the same.

"Discovering The Waterfront" is a decent album but it just doesn't amaze me. If you are into screamo its worth a listen or two. But personally, I'd recommend that you go buy albums by the bands I mentioned earlier: Hot Water Music, Grade, or Keepsake and hear what screamo was like when it was new, fresh, still finding its legs, and before it got a bit stale.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Such A Great Album, December 2, 2007

By 

C. J. Porter "mus1c m4d" (Wellington, NEW ZEALAND) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Discovering The Waterfront (Re-Issue) (Audio CD)

When i first heard the single "Smile in your sleep" I was hooked.
Silverstein brought fresh, new sounding rock to the table.
From the first track "Your Sword Versus My Dagger" To the last track "Rodeo Clown" is a great listen.
I will NEVER get sick of this CD!!
Its a must have!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Progress For The Better, August 17, 2005

By 

Kevin (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Discovering the Waterfront (Audio CD)

I would say that Silverstein is breaking even here. It's not quite at the level mediocrity, nor is it a sell-out record by any means, these guys did deliver...but I felt semi-short changed after the last track was said and done.

Vocally it's more medolic at times, and although the amount of screaming is reduced in comparison to "When Broken Is...", the abscence of that was balanced out with the instrumentals. The first half of the album is stunning, the rest kinda/sorta gives you a mesh of redundancy. I would've really liked to hear the entire thing push the envelope with the intricate sound that was written all over the first 5 tracks. Had they done that, "Discovering.." could've been the strongest piece of work to date for the band. I was very impressed, but not as impressed as I had anticipated to be.

Highlights:

My Sword Vs. Your Dagger -- A good opener, probably the most aggressive track. There really aren't many others that come close to the pace of 'My Sword' -- though, had it been put somewhere in the middle of the album, it would've stuck out as the remaining songs go on to be a little more indifferent.

Fist Wrapped in Blood -- Really complex. After hearing this on purevolume a while back I was definately blown away by how many change-ups ran through this song of only 2 minutes and 57 seconds.

The Ides of March -- A bit catchy and predictable at times. It shows how unique these guys can be on a song without screwing it up like most bands do while trying to be innovative. They nailed it.

Discovering The Waterfront -- Hands down the best thing to come out of this record. The only real ballad-esque track, the vocals alone are amazing/haunting, solid from start to finish. Some would say 'meh it's just another emo song', but it rightly defines a good chunk of the album. Even if the lyrics aren't ultra strong, it's profound enough to relate to. As far as sound goes, the breakdown of the chorus is rough, perfect to match the harmonic flow. Clocking in at almost 5 minutes, I'm glad the most impressve song also turned out to be the longest of the record.

Overall, "Discovering the Waterfront" isn't a massive step for Silverstein but at the same time it was a good step. "When Broken" was also amazing, but I still think they're holding back from making a full on masterpiece.