by Dave Manning (May 6, 2014)
The Glorious Ache opens with a synth and guitar-feedback intro leading into two strong full-ahead rock pieces sung with great harmonies and excellent guitar work. The third tune, Be Careful, slows down considerably with acoustic guitar and more forefront bass with some fine accompanying electric guitar, though it has a darker, almost ominous, texture and cadence.
This prompted me to anticipate a possible progrock journey. Instead, Jeremy Sills and Frank Smith, along with Jonathan Edwards, offer up a more heavier, perhaps alternative, folk-rock sound with various elements from other rock genres interwoven.
Not that I’m disappointed. Quite the opposite. This third studio album by Sills & Smith is my introduction to them, having not had the chance to listen to their previous releases. What initially struck me was their harmonies, even on the heavier tunes, and the fitting rhythm/lead electric guitar on almost every song, as well as the aforementioned infused elements.
Advice Best Taken brings in a more folk-rock mood, though not as rocking out as the initial two, then into Parachute Love, which serves up a more upbeat up-tempo rock with some fine electric guitar lead-work. Amanda, a touching and soft ballad, slows the pace down and enters a slower, more electric folk-rock tone with acoustic guitar more prominent. This remains relatively constant through the balance of the album with the exceptions of Tornado Alley, Living On a Island, and Freezing In Here leaning more to the rock side of the equation.
There is experimentation here, such as on Hold Tight and In Memory, with the inclusion of some synth and moving into a ‘prog-rock’ area, stretching the boundaries of folk/rock into other territory. The songwriting is the star here though, as the songs themselves on The Glorious Ache would stand on their own with only acoustic guitar accompaniment.
The poetics of Frank’s lyrics are of an open structure, creating tight expressive writing where almost every word is necessary to carry the images. Many of the lyrics invoke vignettes or collages illustrating subjects ranging from loss and grief (In Memory), and one’s faith in the face of these (A Church In The Country), fear and loss (Tornado Alley), and fear and consequences of traversing outside of any arbitrary boundaries (Be Careful)…
"This world’s
Not built
For sissies
Or fools
Be careful
You’re not a dreamer
Because dreamers
Are not
Welcome here"
Yet, all is not restrained despair or loss, for Jeremy and Frank do sing of the enduring love of one’s special lady-love in the short sweet Fill My Cup, as well as the unbound joy of ‘falling in Love’ in Parachute Love…
"Parachute love
It’s such a rush
Parachute love
Maximum G-Force
Body Crush"
What I appreciate most is Frank and Jeremy’s harmonies. They are a pleasure, meshing well with the music even on heavier, more rocking tunes. There is a flow to The Glorious Ache with a coherence in the progression of the songs even though there is a spectrum of inclusion of styles and a possibility that the two or three opening pieces seem not to fit initially with the rest of the album.
Yet, taken as a whole, and after seriously listening over the last week, The Glorious Ache reveals the scope of stylistic elements and more unconventional song structure Jeremy, Frank and Jonathan have fused into their song-crafting, as well as the depth of thought and emotion ingrained in Frank Smith’s lyrics. What we have here is an earnest melodic collection worthy of long-term listening and distinctive musical endurance.
Purchase The Glorious Ache on CD Baby and on iTunes.
Find Sills & Smith on Facebook, on Twitter, on YouTube, and on ReverbNation.
(Review online at Modular Base: http://modularbase.com/sills-smith-the-glorious-ache/)
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Sills & Smith / Blog
Sills & Smith releases 4th studio album Etched!
(Ottawa, August 7, 2014) With three previous, critically acclaimed independent alternative rock albums stoking the creative fire, Sills & Smith has released their fourth, and most accomplished studio album of originals to date! Named for its title track "Etched", this 13 track musical and lyrical adventure is both powerful and melodic. The full-length, 53 minute recording explores the human experience and social justice issues to a hard driving, guitar-based sound. Sills & Smith is an Ottawa, Canada based band led by singer-songwriters Jeremy Sills and Frank Smith. The music is a genre bending and blending stew that touches on folk, alternative rock and progressive rock styles. Produced and recorded by the legendary Phillip Victor Bova at Bova Sound in Ottawa, the new album features an all-star cast of great players: Phil Bova (bass), T Bruce Wittet (drums), Kevin Breit (electric guitar, electric mandolin), Don Wallace (electric guitar, dobro), Roddy Ellias (electric guitar and nylon string acoustic guitar), Raphael Weinroth-Browne (cello). Jeremy Sills plays acoustic guitars, piano and crystal bowls. All songs on Etched were composed by Frank Smith and Jeremy Sills -- Words and Music - Frank Smith; Music - Jeremy Sills. Both Sills and Smith handle vocals on the disc. Track order: Where You'll Find It; Meet Out By the Lake; What You Deserve; A Love For All Seasons; Space Junk; To Be Embraced; Please, Please Save Me; In Dreams; Etched; End Times; The Sound; Give Us Peace; Endings and Beginnings. Sills & Smith "Etched" is available online through all major retailers including iTunes, Amazon, eMusic, CD Baby etc. A beautiful digipak CD edition will be sold online and in select box stores. For further information: sillssmith@gmail.com Sills & Smith band website: www.reverbnation.com/sillssmith Twitter: @SillsandSmith - 30 -
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Review of The Glorious Ache in Modular Base!
by Dave Manning (May 6, 2014)
The Glorious Ache opens with a synth and guitar-feedback intro leading into two strong full-ahead rock pieces sung with great harmonies and excellent guitar work. The third tune, Be Careful, slows down considerably with acoustic guitar and more forefront bass with some fine accompanying electric guitar, though it has a darker, almost ominous, texture and cadence.
This prompted me to anticipate a possible progrock journey. Instead, Jeremy Sills and Frank Smith, along with Jonathan Edwards, offer up a more heavier, perhaps alternative, folk-rock sound with various elements from other rock genres interwoven.
Not that I’m disappointed. Quite the opposite. This third studio album by Sills & Smith is my introduction to them, having not had the chance to listen to their previous releases. What initially struck me was their harmonies, even on the heavier tunes, and the fitting rhythm/lead electric guitar on almost every song, as well as the aforementioned infused elements.
Advice Best Taken brings in a more folk-rock mood, though not as rocking out as the initial two, then into Parachute Love, which serves up a more upbeat up-tempo rock with some fine electric guitar lead-work. Amanda, a touching and soft ballad, slows the pace down and enters a slower, more electric folk-rock tone with acoustic guitar more prominent. This remains relatively constant through the balance of the album with the exceptions of Tornado Alley, Living On a Island, and Freezing In Here leaning more to the rock side of the equation.
There is experimentation here, such as on Hold Tight and In Memory, with the inclusion of some synth and moving into a ‘prog-rock’ area, stretching the boundaries of folk/rock into other territory. The songwriting is the star here though, as the songs themselves on The Glorious Ache would stand on their own with only acoustic guitar accompaniment.
The poetics of Frank’s lyrics are of an open structure, creating tight expressive writing where almost every word is necessary to carry the images. Many of the lyrics invoke vignettes or collages illustrating subjects ranging from loss and grief (In Memory), and one’s faith in the face of these (A Church In The Country), fear and loss (Tornado Alley), and fear and consequences of traversing outside of any arbitrary boundaries (Be Careful)…
"This world’s Not built For sissies Or fools
Be careful You’re not a dreamer Because dreamers Are not Welcome here"
Yet, all is not restrained despair or loss, for Jeremy and Frank do sing of the enduring love of one’s special lady-love in the short sweet Fill My Cup, as well as the unbound joy of ‘falling in Love’ in Parachute Love…
"Parachute love It’s such a rush Parachute love Maximum G-Force Body Crush"
What I appreciate most is Frank and Jeremy’s harmonies. They are a pleasure, meshing well with the music even on heavier, more rocking tunes. There is a flow to The Glorious Ache with a coherence in the progression of the songs even though there is a spectrum of inclusion of styles and a possibility that the two or three opening pieces seem not to fit initially with the rest of the album.
Yet, taken as a whole, and after seriously listening over the last week, The Glorious Ache reveals the scope of stylistic elements and more unconventional song structure Jeremy, Frank and Jonathan have fused into their song-crafting, as well as the depth of thought and emotion ingrained in Frank Smith’s lyrics. What we have here is an earnest melodic collection worthy of long-term listening and distinctive musical endurance.
Purchase The Glorious Ache on CD Baby and on iTunes.
Find Sills & Smith on Facebook, on Twitter, on YouTube, and on ReverbNation.
(Review online at Modular Base: http://modularbase.com/sills-smith-the-glorious-ache/)
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Parachute Love entered into CBC Music Searchlight contest!
We have entered our song Parachute Love in the CBC Music Searchlight contest! The tune is from our third studio album The Glorious Ache. We are competing in the Ottawa area under the All In A Day program, which means you can also request that Parachute Love be played on the radio. If you like Parachute Love please help us out by giving us your vote. Go to the Sills & Smith CBC Music page, listen to the track below the Search Light icon (on lower right) and select Vote For This Artist: http://music.cbc.ca/#/artists/Sills-Smith Remember you can vote once a day until the first round of the contest closes on April 6th.
If you really dig Parachute Love, why not share the love and tell your friends to support us through Facebook and other social media connections?! Jeremy Sills and I could use your positive energy and votes to put some wind in our sails -- or parachutes -- as we leap into the studio to record our 4th album in April!
There is a music video for Parachute Love on YouTube and our Reverbnation page that works beautifully with the song that you might want to check out before you vote, featuring the daring Dexter Marcelino and his friends! This video was compiled by our musical friend Robin Youlton: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqXHVzFtk6Y
Parachute Love was written by Frank Smith (words, music), Jeremy Sills (music) and Jonathan Edwards (music). It was recorded and produced by Jonathan Edwards at Corvidae Music in Ottawa.
Thank you for listening and supporting Sills & Smith band!
Cheers, Frank Smith
Sills and Smith on Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/sillssmith
Retailers (iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby, eMusic etc.)
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-glorious-ache/id672453783
http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/SillsSmith
http://www.amazon.com/The-Glorious-Ache-Sills-Smith/dp/B00DVFIMHO
http://www.emusic.com/album/sills-smith/the-glorious-ache/14267694/
Twitter: @SillsandSmith https://twitter.com/SillsandSmith
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sillssmith
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Recording 4th album at Bova Sound!
Jeremy and I had an excellent pre-production meeting with Phil Bova at Bova Sound in Ottawa last Friday. Plans are in place to record the 4th Sills and Smith studio album from April to June, 2014. It is still too early to determine a release date. There are 25 new, original songs under consideration, enough for two albums. But we will pick the very best 12-14 of the bunch to give you a really great album. So excited! Will keep you folks posted as the recording progresses. Cheers, Frank
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Seriously good news, Frank! You're a songwriting machine.
4.5/5 review from Sea of Tranquility for The Glorious Ache!
by Michael Popke, With an album title as epic as The Glorious Ache, you'll no doubt expect a grand listening experience. And that's exactly what you get on the third release from the diverse Canadian band Sills & Smith. Full of sometimes haunting, sometimes cynical and always memorable songs, The Glorious Ache bursts with arrangements that span four decades of musical influences — from the Beatles to Warren Zevon and Neil Young to The Cure, U2 and beyond.
Despite the name, this dynamic duo is actually a trio: Jeremy Sills (vocals, guitars), Frank Smith (vocals) and Jonathan Edwards (everything else, including some vocals). These 15 songs sound nothing like each other, which essentially makes Sills & Smith — & Edwards? — an accessible progressive-rock group. "Ready, Set, Go" bounces like an 80s dance-rock track, "Be Careful" is a dark and droning warning, "Advice, Best Taken" captures not only Warren Zevon's vocal style but also his cynicism, "Freezing in Here" rocks like a superior bar band on fire, and elements of Neil Young swirl around the gut-wrenching "Tornado Alley." But the most glorious of aches on The Glorious Ache is "Amanda (For Amanda Todd)" — a gripping and disturbing examination of the life and suicide of a 15-year-old Canadian girl bullied to death. It's a devastatingly emotional track, and any parent left unmoved after hearing it doesn't possess a soul.
The soul of Sills & Smith is what allows this group to write such compelling songs. Edwards' guitar solos take them to another realm, and strong production boosts the overall impact. Genuine, melodic and engaging, Sills & Smith simply is too good for radio. Track Listing: 1) Hold Tight 2) Ready Set Go 3) Be Careful 4) Advice Best Taken 5) Parachute Love 6) Amanda (For Amanda Todd) 7) A Church in the Country 8) It's Wrecked 9) Tornado Alley 10) If You 11) Living On an Island 12) Promises 13) Freezing in Here 14) Fill My Cup 15) In Memory
Review on Sea of Tranquility website: http://seaoftranquility.org/reviews.php?op=showcontent&id=15556
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Sills & Smith releases Hold Tight music video!
(Ottawa, October 7, 2013)
A new music video for Hold Tight, the opening track from the Sills & Smith studio album The Glorious Ache has been released. The video was made by Megan Robertson, a wonderfully talented Ottawa photographer and filmmaker. Hold Tight was written by Frank Smith, Jeremy Sills and Jonathan Edwards. It was recorded and produced by Jonathan Edwards at Corvidae Music in Ottawa. Watch the video now on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdhYm5fp9XM&feature=c4-overview&list=UUrXpI0zL8IYjyUPTa_Xy2cw
Sills & Smith is an independent, alternative folk/rock band based in Ottawa, Canada. The group includes Jeremy Sills, Frank Smith and Jonathan Edwards. The band has released three critically acclaimed albums of all original material: The Glorious Ache (2013), No Way In, No Way Out (2012) and Uncertain Vista (2011). These are full-length efforts recorded and produced by Jonathan Edwards in his studio, Corvidae Music.
The new music video and several others from all three studio albums are also posted on the band’s Reverbnation and Facebook pages, where you can hear many full Sills & Smith songs streaming. Links to Sills & Smith on iTunes, Amazon, eMusic, CD Baby and other retailers that sell the band’s music are provided on its social media sites.
Hold Tight is about surviving the perils of life in the concrete, urban jungle. We had great fun working with Megan Robertson. Enjoy the video.
For more information:
Sills & Smith band on Reverbnation: www.reverbnation.com/sillssmith
Sills & Smith band on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sillssmith
Sills & Smith band on Twitter: @SillsandSmith
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Tornado Alley music video released!
We have just released a powerful new music video of Tornado Alley from the Sills & Smith album The Glorious Ache. Our song has been used as a soundtrack to remarkable film footage of the devastating tornado in Joplin, Missouri in 2011 chronicled by Joplin resident Colby McGehee. Many thanks to Colby for giving us permission to use his film. The music video was compiled by our talented musical friend Robin Youlton, who lives in England, so that makes this an international project. Tornado Alley was written by Frank Smith, Jeremy Sills and Jonathan Edwards. It was recorded and produced by Jonathan Edwards at Corvidae Music in Ottawa. Watch Tornado Alley on YouTube now: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHKuDoUwWnQ&feature=c4-overview&list=UUrXpI0zL8IYjyUPTa_Xy2cw
You can also view our new music video and several others from all three studio albums on our Reverbnation and Facebook pages and hear many full songs streaming. Links to Sills & Smith on iTunes, Amazon, eMusic, CD Baby and other retailers that sell our music are provided on our social media sites.
Sills & Smith band on Reverbnation:
www.reverbnation.com/sillssmith
Sills & Smith band on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/sillssmith
Sills & Smith band on Twitter:
@SillsandSmith
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Parachute Love music video released!
To celebrate its brand new studio album, Sills & Smith band has just released a music video for the track Parachute Love. The video was compiled by Robin Youlton and features thrilling film footage by skydiver extraordinaire Dexter Marcelino, set to our powerful song. Now available on our just launched Youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/SillsandSmith
Sills & Smith is an independent, alternative folk/rock band based in Ottawa, Canada. The group includes Jeremy Sills, Frank Smith and Jonathan Edwards. The band has recorded three albums of all original material: The Glorious Ache (2013), No Way In, No Way Out (2012) and Uncertain Vista (2011). These are full-length efforts recorded and produced by Jonathan Edwards in his studio, Corvidae Music.
Our new album, The Glorious Ache features 15 tracks penned by the band, exploring diverse sonic territory and delivering songs filled with melodic and lyrical invention. The Glorious Ache was released on July 9th and is now available through CD Baby, iTunes, Amazon and other major retailers! The beautiful digipak edition is being printed and will be out on July 30th, for online order and in select box stores.
Five tracks from the new album are now streaming on our Reverbnation and Facebook pages. Look for more music videos on Youtube of certain Glorious Ache tracks through the summer and into the fall. We are so proud of this music. We hope listeners enjoy experiencing the album as much as we enjoyed creating it.
Sills & Smith on Reverbnation: www.reverbnation.com/sillssmith Sills & Smith on Facebook: www.facebook.com/sillssmith Sills & Smith on Twitter: @SillsandSmith
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Sills & Smith The Glorious Ache album available now!
(Ottawa, July 10, 2013) - The brand new studio album by Sills & Smith entitled The Glorious Ache is now available on iTunes! It features 15 tracks penned by the band, exploring diverse sonic territory and delivering songs filled with melodic and lyrical invention. Released today first on iTunes, the album will be for sale soon through Amazon, CD Baby, eMusic and other major online retailers. The beautiful digipak edition will be printed and out near the end of July for online order and in select box stores.
Sills & Smith is an independent, alternative folk/rock band based in Ottawa, Canada. The group includes Jeremy Sills, Frank Smith and Jonathan Edwards. The band has released three critically acclaimed albums of all original material: The Glorious Ache (2013), No Way In, No Way Out (2012) and Uncertain Vista (2011). These are full-length efforts recorded and produced by Jonathan Edwards in his studio, Corvidae Music.
Five tracks from The Glorious Ache are now streaming on our Reverbnation and Facebook pages. Watch for music videos on Youtube of certain album tracks through the summer and into the fall. We are so proud of this music. We hope listeners enjoy experiencing the musical journey of this recording as much as we enjoyed creating it.
Sills and Smith, The Glorious Ache, on iTunes for digital download, only $9.99: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-glorious-ache/id672453783 Sills & Smith on Reverbnation: www.reverbnation.com/sillssmith Sills & Smith on Facebook: www.facebook.com/sillssmith Sills & Smith on Twitter: @SillsandSmith
The Glorious Ache - 15 tracks (56 minutes of music). Songwriters: Frank Smith, Jeremy Sills, Jonathan Edwards. Words: Frank Smith; Music: Frank Smith, Jeremy Sills, Jonathan Edwards. Frank Smith - vocals; Jeremy Sills - vocals and acoustic guitars; Jonathan Edwards - acoustic and electric guitars, bass, drums, keyboards, mandolin; producer and recording engineer.
Track order:
1. Hold Tight 2. Ready, Set, Go 3. Be Careful 4. Advice, Best Taken 5. Parachute Love 6. Amanda 7. A Church In The Country 8. It's Wrecked 9. Tornado Alley 10. If You 11. Living On An Island 12. Promises 13. Freezing In Here 14. Fill My Cup 15. In Memory
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I remember way way back when you sent me the early version of "Hold Tight." I recall saying then that this would be the perfect album opener.;)
Dark Gift Radio Blog review of No Way In, No Way Out!
Sills and Smith are based in Ottawa and class themselves as folk/rock.
Members are Jeremy Sills, Frank Smith and Jonathan Edwards. Frank Smith is the main vocalist and lyricist of the band. Jeremy Sills and Jonathan Edwards share electric and acoustic guitar duties, backing vocals with drums and bass played by Jonathan.
The band have released two albums: "Uncertain Vista" (2011) and "No Way In, No Way Out" (2012). Their new album is set for release in late Spring 2013.
“No Way In, No Way Out” is a very nicely produced album that shows a good progression in terms of production from their previous CD, 2011’s “Uncertain Vista”. Their style varies from Midwest Indie Rock to 90’s 4AD and even has elements of folk, early goth and interesting alternative experimentation at times.
The drum and guitar sounds work really well together and the plaintive vocals sit well in the mix. Vocal influences seem to range from Nick Cave/Interpol/Michael Stipe to Lloyd Cole and The Red House Painters. There is a strong sense of empathy in many of the vocals.
If you like the styles of music described above, you will be likely to appreciate the song writing which is generally well thought out and full of diversity and innovation, just where it is least expected.
Arrangements are simple and not over busy and this helps bring out the songs to strongly showcase the band’s potential.
Personally, three of my favourite tracks from the album would be “Clouds”, “Radiance” and “Pain”.
“Clouds” seems to have a Red House Painters influence infused into it. Nice chiming chorus guitars and a folk influence from the use of a pedal steel guitar.
“Radiance” is very emotive lyrical imagery and a lovely build up to the song. It has a good musical balance that has that happy/sad feel that could go either way.
“Pain” is one of the most interesting tracks. It has a dynamic that usurps listener expectation in the light of previous tracks and has an experimental edge that borders on Bauhaus/early goth. For me it is one of the most innovative tracks on the album.
Another stand out track would be “Would it all be Different?” which has a beautiful, sad, unrequited feel where “luck is measured in a thimble.” It is a unique track full of layers and dimensions and a courageous track which culminates in an ending that veers towards a celebration of Pink Floyd.
The album is available from the many links included on their Reverbnation site. If you like good quality, alternative music from independent bands not influenced by corporate greed then this is a recommended release.
I look forward to the new album later this year and wish Sills and Smith all success from the DGR Team.
http://darkgiftradio.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/cd-review-sills-and-smith-no-way-in-no.html
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