Hot Take - Silent Rival’s ‘Just One Voice’
‘Just One Voice’ is the first single from LA-based alt rockers Silent Rival since releasing their debut album ‘The Kindness of Strangers’ in early 2017. While the album saw them gain significant notoriety within alt-rock spheres, ‘Just One Voice’ promises more politically charged and self-aware music to come.
Kicking off the track with a grooving guitar melody, the simple drum beat allows focus to settle initially on the more high-energy elements. Sara Coda’s soulful yet gritty vocal timbre only serves to amplify the meaning of the song as she sings lyrics like; “we’re tearing down these walls, leaving no room for hate.” Although the song writing forgoes subtlety completely, it is overflowing with punky attitude – which is endearing in and of itself.
One of the highlights is lead guitarist, Joz Ramirez, playing a lead guitar solo in the bridge of the track. The tone and playing style of the guitar is clearly Hendrix influenced and brings a sense of revival to what is otherwise a typical modern rock track. Bassist Yutaka Sao brings his own flare through the punchy bass line, which drives momentum throughout.
All in all, ‘Just One Voice’ stands out from Silent Rival’s previous efforts and hopefully this new direction will take them even further.
