Silkworm - In the West (1993)

Silkworm

Andy Cohen, Vocals/Guitar
Tim Midgett, Vocals/Bass
Michael Dahlquist, Drums
Joel RL Phelps, Vocals/Guitar (1987-1994)
Ben Koostra, Drums (1987-1989)
Matt Kadane, Keyboards (2002-2005)

Formed in 1987, Missoula/Seattle/Chicago

Faded Flannel: Silkworm began in the town of Missoula, Montana. They moved to Seattle at the beginning of 1990 and in 1992 released their first record, L'ajre, on their own Temporary Freedom label. In 1994, C/Z released In the West. The following year saw the release of Libertine, which in turn led to their signing to Matador. Somewhere in the interim, Joel left the band to pursue his own music, and the band continued to tour almost religiously as a three-piece. After several records with Matador, the band jumped ship and city, signing to Touch and Go and moving to Chicago.

Silkworm is one of Seattle's most underrated, yet celebrated, independent post punk bands. The band's career is being celebrated by an documentary film called "Couldn't You Wait". The film will detail the bands career (1987-2005), interviews with producer Steve Albini, Sean Nelson (Harvey Danger), and passionate fans around the world.

The film also pays respect to the untimely, accidental death of drummer Michael Dahlquist. The filmmakers are currently looking for donations to help with the completion of the film.
Check out the film's website and movie trailer: http://www.couldntyouwait.com

Trouser Press: In the West cuts down substantially on the spectrum of crib notes, letting three subtly different songwriting voices — some of the better ideas seem to come from bassist/vocalist Tim Midgett — provide a sense of anticipation for what might be lurking around the next corner.

Midgett's loping basslines — one part post-funk, one part underwater wooze — give an intangible propulsion to spare tracks like "Garden City Blues" (which also draws some charm from drummer Michael Dahlquist's inexact percussive spurts).

When the aggro level is raised too high (as on "Incanduce" and the overly Burma-like "Pilot"), Silkworm grows awfully shrill.

But as a whole,
the exquisitely spacious album's
deep rhythmic caverns invite
and demand casual lingering.

(H)EARWORM