Christian Silva - Onward!
(Something In Construction)
http://www.myspace.com/christiansilva

Don’t be fooled! The grandiose piano intro might make you think you accidentally put in one of your grandmother’s Chopin records, but you’ll soon be launched into the dark retro-rock galaxy of Christian Silva on his latest release, Onward! But this collection of spacey acoustic-piano-rock was crafted here on planet Earth, at Christian’s flat in South London.

If I tell you this is Silva’s first full-length recording, you’ll probably feel tricked once again. At twenty-something he sings with the confidence and skill of Mercury and Bowie. Their influences are especially apparent on the title track and the ballad Borders. At times he might sound a bit like an over-the-top imitation, but just as you’re ready to hit the stop button, Silva will completely change style, and you’ll beg to hear more.

A perfect example of his versatility—and perhaps the best song—comes late in the album with the six-minute track Break From The Past. It begins somewhat promisingly, with the pulse of a bass drum, a buzzing synth, and Silva signing softly. You’re soon back to the familiar glam-rock rerun, with falsetto harmonies and a chorus of ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ backing the lead singer. However, the song takes an unexpected turn when the entire band drops out for two bars and returns for a shuffle of blues-rock. Silva repeats the catchy taunt, ‘Point your finger at my chest again! Go on, I dare you!’ While a bluesy piano and lead guitar duel in the background.

Like most young musicians, Christian Silva is bound to change styles on future recordings. The difference between Silva and other musicians, though, is that he is comfortable in many different skins, and will undoubtedly succeed through many transformations. Onward! has plenty of bass-thumping rock songs, but hidden between are acoustic gems like Key Alphabet and How To Be A Man. These are the tracks that reassure you Christian Silva will be back.

Patrick Hoy