Pared down to a trio following the departure of guitarist Joel R.L. Phelps, Silkworm traded the scrabbling, Anglophilic angularity that marked their first few discs for an airier, high-lonesome sound that ultimately proves... more » far more rewarding. Much of the impact comes from the sharper focus put on the spatially challenging guitar attack of Andy Cohen, whose eloquent, barely-in-control solos on "Drag the River" and "Slow Hands" hark back to the headiest days of Television (or the Dream Syndicate, at least). Despite the dynamic ampage, however, Firewater is a decidedly melancholy brew, with both Cohen and bassist Tim Midgett contributing laments that waft gracefully through air that's tinged with ether and thick with emotion. --David Sprague« less
Pared down to a trio following the departure of guitarist Joel R.L. Phelps, Silkworm traded the scrabbling, Anglophilic angularity that marked their first few discs for an airier, high-lonesome sound that ultimately proves far more rewarding. Much of the impact comes from the sharper focus put on the spatially challenging guitar attack of Andy Cohen, whose eloquent, barely-in-control solos on "Drag the River" and "Slow Hands" hark back to the headiest days of Television (or the Dream Syndicate, at least). Despite the dynamic ampage, however, Firewater is a decidedly melancholy brew, with both Cohen and bassist Tim Midgett contributing laments that waft gracefully through air that's tinged with ether and thick with emotion. --David Sprague
"Short and simple. This is one of the greatest and most powerful albums ever recorded. Lonely guys out west have nothing better to do, so they get sloshed and write songs about getting sloshed. Impressive lyrics that dare you to laugh at these alcohol influenced songs and heavy modernized guitar riffs that are only comparable to j.mascis of dinosaur jr. Modern rock's most talented musicians come together to create one of the most incredible rock albums of the last ten years. Buy this record and put Silkworm on your list of things to never let go of. Every song is good and the album flows perfectly,if you just let it run from song # 1 to the last song. Do not miss the oppurtunity to get a hold of a true and pure example of rock and roll. It will knock your socks off."
Silkworm's best, and one of the best in indie rock
Robert Jefferson | Pittsburgh, PA USA | 11/30/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album is the first Silkworm disc without Joel Phelps, and is without a doubt their finest moment. Going from three excellent songwriters to just two means stronger songs and a tighter focus across the disc, so that the group sounds like one band instead of three. Many of the songs are about alienation and alcohol, which may seem monotonous, but each song not only sounds different, but focuses on different facets, showing that an idea can be made anew with each song.The three members are at the top of their game. Andy Cohen provides some simply scorching guitar on many of the tracks -- "Severance Pay" and "Slow Hands" are two prime examples, but the blown-speakers sound of the solo on the otherwise acoustic "Miracle Mile" has to be heard to be believed. Tim Midgett provides witty barbs throughout, and his bass gives the group more melody than rhythm, but doesn't slouch at the latter. Even Michael Dahlquist doesn't slouch on the drums; nothing too jaw-dropping, his playing is a perfect fit for the sheer rock crunch the band offers. Overall, the band produces rock music that runs the gamut from Stones-inspired groove to up-tempo rockers about drinking and working on the pipeline to an acoustic tale of the pitfalls of touring.If you were to put your money into one Silkworm album, this should definitely be it. They never sounded as consistently good before or after this album. If you like your rock music gritty, a little bitter and wry, this will be your cup of tea."
Right Now I Feel Like a Bull in a China Shop
Isaac Turner | Grand Forks, USofA | 10/25/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In the spirit of objectivity, I will start with a disclaimer: This is my favorite album. Okay, with that large grain of salt dissolving in your pallate, know that it IS good, AND important. I feel it is one of the last true testaments to the 'rock' form that we Americans have to offer. Sad, sardonic, exapansive. Maybe a little uncomfortable, if not in length, certainly in content. But, mind you, it's beautiful. That's the key, don't you think: to be BEAUTIFUL. A person could write a damn thesis about this album, and maybe someone should."
One of the Best Albums Ever
Isaac Turner | 10/12/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've only been on this planet 25 years, but 'Firewater' is one of my most favorite albums of all time and will more than likely stay that way. Perfect words(the last four songs especially) with perfect music(the whole damn thing), i now like solos, and Tim's voice is too good for words. I could go on for more than my allotted 1000's words, so i'll end here. I find it funny remembering that this gem sat in my collection for about a year before i (re)"discovered" it. Simply great music."
Spin some silk...i'm corny today
mark twain | the afterlife...it's beautiful here, tra la la la. | 02/20/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"if you drink more than three days a week there is no reason you should not own and love this album...the same holds true if just simply enjoy the rock and roll music.