In September 2003, South Carolina band
Silers Bald released their debut album
Real Life. The once independent band -- comprised of members Marcus Myers, Warren Bazemore, Jason Jacobs, and Shane Williams -- offers listeners acoustic pop with an Appalachian sound. Musically, the album is rich in instrumentation. The analog synth arpeggios and contemporary distressed electric guitars on the album feel right at home alongside traditional bluegrass instruments such as the hammered dulcimer, piano, accordion, violin, and acoustic guitar. The djembe, shaker, and Wurlitzer round out
Silers Bald's well-instrumentationed sound. Vocally, singers Bazemore and Williams are a blend of
Phil Collins,
Nickel Creek, and
Caedmon's Call. Perhaps not so oddly enough,
Caedmon's Call member Joshua Moore produced
Real Life. The arrangement and instrumentation of each song serve to support the emotions that are communicated lyrically. Emotions include yearning ("My Heart Will Sing," "Carolina Line"), irony ("All I Can Be"), and love ("Emmanuel"). Additional highlights on the album include the eerily whimsical theremin that begins "Turn" and the driving declaration of "Emmanuel." ~ Ashleigh Kittle Slater