“I want you, I want you to define me, define me.”
Every once in a rare while I go see a band and end up leaving head over heels in love with the band that opened for them. It has happenned a few times actually and until this month most notably twice. The first instance was when I saw the Bravery open for Depeche Mode years ago. I loved The Bravery’s music before I saw them that night but seeing them perform live kind of confirmed this band would become one of my faves. Then the Bravery returned the favor by introducing me to my two favorite bands: Civil Twilight and Your Vegas (now called Marfa Lights). I discovered these two bands one magical weekend in 2008 when I went with my friend Audrey to see the Bravery in North Carolina. I ended up leaving NC head over heels in love with the music of both bands. Then a few weeks ago Civil Twilight returned the favor…
I adore Civil Twilight and have seen them live numerous times and was so excited earlier in the year when I found out I would get to see them again. The shows were on April 1st at Rock N Roll Hotel in DC and April 3rd at Ramshead Onstage in Annapolis, MD. The band that was opening for Civil Twilight on their first official headlining tour was a band from Oxford, England called A Silent Film. I saw A Silent Film for the first time ever at the DC show and it was love at first listen. Their sound is indescribable and their stage presence and live show is unbelievable. I had actually heard a few of the songs from their CD: The City That Sleeps on the radio without even knowing they were songs by A Silent Film.
While I hate to compare bands to other bands just to give an example I will say A Silent Film would be closest to U2 with a bit of Coldplay thrown in too. But even despite that comparison A Silent Film has a refreshingly unique sound that’s all their own and they have crafted some hauntingly beautiful tunes. It’s just as fun listening to the poetic lyrics of each song as it is the melodies and rocking rhythms. It doesn’t hurt that they are some of the nicest guys you could meet too and while still young they have the stage presence of seasoned veterans. I had the pleasure of seeing them a second time in Annapolis too. In that intimate setting along with both Civil Twilight and A Silent Film simply shined and proved they sound exactly like their CDs live. No studio magic there just pure talent for both bands. They also were a perfect match musically that made each night extra special.
Shamefully I forgot to buy The City That Sleeps at both shows so I immediately listened to the CD when I got home and then downloaded it. From start to finish it is a brilliant CD and features some of the most gorgeous, poetic songs I have heard in a while. I now officially have a new music obsession thanks to the equally brilliant boys of Civil Twilight! I love discovering new music so wanted to spread the word and let all of you know about this hidden gem of a band too. A huge thank you to The Bravery who created a sort of chain effect that introduced me to some of the best bands and music I have ever heard. But I put videos for three of my fave A Silent Film songs below for your listening pleasure. The songs are “Driven By Their Beating Hearts” (sometimes called “Driven By Their Beaten Hearts,” online) “Thirteen Times The Strength” and “Firefly In My Window.” But the entire CD is amazing from start to finish. Not a bad song in the bunch! But some other stand out tracks on the CD to get you started are also the single: “You Will Leave A Mark” and the song “Sleeping Pills.” Happy listening everyone and get ready to fall in love! For more info on Robert, Spencer, Ali and Karl aka A Silent Film check out: http://www.facebook.com/asilentfilm, http://asilentfilm.com/ or http://www.myspace.com/asilentfilm
