'Diamond From Coal' Doesn't Dissapoint

Listening to the new album from My Silent Bravery, I am reminded of a quote attributed to the noted Shakespearean actor Edmund Kean (1787-1833). The quote is “dying is easy, comedy is hard”. I bring this up because the fourth album from the Boston based group titled ‘Diamond From Coal’ is a triumph of positivity. MSB eschews standard blues themes of loss, hard times, and despair upon which much of the rock and roll idiom is based. Instead, MSB has produced a record that is positive, hopeful and upbeat without it sounding like an ‘Up With People’ rally. Truly a task in this increasingly uncertain world.

Songwriter Matthew Shwachman has penned a batch of songs Billboard magazine has called “eloquent” and “authoritative”. The melodies are accessible to a modern audience and many of the hooks linger long after the album spins to a pause. Producers Anthony Resta (Collective Soul, Shawn Mullins) and Warren Huart (Aerosmith, The Fray) know how to get the best from their artists and the work they have done for MSB is no exception. In this day and age, it is good to hear songs produced with enough space to let them rise or fall on their own merits. The production is first rate.

This being MSB’s fourth release, you would think that the band has hit its stride.  This album certainly will not disappoint their legion of fans but this reviewer can’t help but think MSB has much more to say.  I will enjoy this record and I will be on the watch for the next album from MSB which I can’t help but think will be as good as or better than this release. There is too much talent here to remain throttled. As far as the indie pop genre is concerned, My Silent Bravery stands out as one of the bright lights and shows no sign of fading.

Standout tracks include, “Amazing”, “Gone”, “On My Side” and “Better Things”

visit the site to purchase the album http://mysilentbravery.com/

---