New album from Mark Silverthorn

Mark Silverthorn, a seasoned songwriter and recording artist based in the Pennsylvania city of Erie, has recently released his 15th album, Rat Tracks, a collection of ten songs that showcase his unconventional style and profound lyricism. With over 40 years of experience in songwriting and recording, Mark has managed to create a unique sound that blends classic rock, American and British folk and alternative folk. His music is a reflection of his passion for storytelling, and his latest album is no exception.

Rat Tracks is a journey through Mark’s unique perspective on life, love and loss. The album’s lyrics are poetic and tell uncommon stories that leave the interpretation open to the listener. His music is self-taught, breaking and making rules along the way, creating a distinctive sound that’s truly his own. Mark’s style of storytelling is akin to a third-person video game, allowing listeners to observe as someone walks, talks, thinks and feels.

The album’s production took place in Mark’s home studio, using classic midi gear and a PC. The result is a rich and warm sound that feels intimate and personal. The delicate instrumentation and gentle percussion allow Mark’s wistful vocals to take centre stage, resulting in a timeless sound that’s impossible not to love.

Mark’s music is heavily influenced by Mark Lanegan, John Hiatt, Bruce Cockburn and alternative genres from the 90s. Lanegan’s raspy voice and dark lyrics have had a significant impact on the music found on Rat Tracks. Songs such as “50 Shades of Blue” and “Bad Cliche” showcase Mark’s appreciation for Lanegan’s style, filtered through his own original sonic lens.

“50 Shades of Blue” is a poignant and thought-provoking track that tells the story of a groom’s daydreams during his wedding ceremony. The song’s lyrics are full of powerful imagery, such as “flat rocks rolling up the hill,” that leave a lasting impact on the listener.

“Bad Cliche” is a heartfelt song about a man breaking off an affair and apologising for using too many cliches. The song’s lyrics are a testament to Mark’s poignant and meaningful lyricism, with lines like “forgive me if my change of heart adds insult to your injury.”

“Daydream Window” is a beautiful and melancholic track that tells the story of a man handling a breakup by viewing it through a pane of safety glass. The song’s delicate instrumentation and gentle percussion perfectly complement Mark’s heartwarming and reflective vocals. “Cancer Moon” sounds like medieval folk piece but is, in fact, about the disease. The song’s lyrics are moving and eye-opening, showcasing Mark’s talent for threaded emotion into the very fabric of his music.

Overall, Rat Tracks is a remarkable album that showcases Mark Silverthorn’s unique sound and captivating lyricism. The album’s delicate instrumentation and gentle percussion perfectly complement Mark’s graceful and inviting vocals, resulting in a timeless sound that will resonate with listeners of all backgrounds. Mark’s unconventional style and approach to making music, as well as his poetic storytelling make Rat Tracks a standout album that’s well worth a listen.

Listen to Rat Tracks below

More from Music

---

Editor Picks

---