Blonde Redhead - Silently

On first listen there doesn’t seem that much to ‘Silently’, the soothing daydream of a new single from the New York three-piece with a mixed up view of follicular colouring. But as with much of ‘23’, the album from which the song is lifted (Blonde Redhead’s eighth, but first for three years), it becomes apparent that actually there is considerable depth to it as delicate touches begin to reveal themselves to the listener.


A far cry from the band’s early Sonic Youth-influenced work, ‘Silently’ is a song with almost entirely smooth edges. Kazu Makino’s trademark shrill but silky vocals take centre stage, providing a smooth gloss finish on this a tale of unrequited love. Underneath is a mellow beat and a complementary concoction of guitars and keys that sound like they are being played through honey. Add in some layered, velvety backing vocals and electronic twists and the only hint of sharpness comes from the odd snatch of Simone Pace’s snare drum or hi hat.


The fact that the lyrics take the form of a rather clumsy nautical metaphor is effectively inconsequential as the vocals are merely one part of a laid back whole. It is so laid back though, that it does need some additional touches to add distinction. Luckily it has them, most notably in the form of the keyboard riff during the middle eight and the hint of eighties drums shortly afterwards, while the odd submarine-type noise is entirely apt.


Sounding somewhere between an updated and remixed version of The Supremes’ ‘Baby Love’ and a very polished My Bloody Valentine (perhaps unsurprising given the presence of Alan Moulder on mixing duties) it is a luxuriant song that combines its warm glow with Makino’s icy delivery. ‘Silently’ is a song that could easily pass you by, give it a chance though and you might well be glad you did. To be enjoyed alongside the Cardigans better moments or Blondie’s ‘Heart Of Glass’ and possibly with a glass of wine, it is a perfect song for the end of a long day.


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First published on rockfeedback.com. See it here.