Portland's own Silver Medal have just dropped their latest EP, 'Older Dreams'. A visceral collection of tracks that arrives in the wake of lead single 'Doubtful', the EP is a stellar re-introduction that is sure to send shockwaves through their local scene. The five-piece band, who've been crafting their unique brand of indie post-pop since 2016, are clearly evolving, and 'Older Dreams' is a deeper dive into their signature sound.
Jared Brannan's project, which began life as a collection of demos, has grown significantly since the release of their debut album, 'Easy Doesn’t', back in 2017. Following their 2019 EP on Holiday Breath Records and their 2023 full-length, 'Nothing Lovely', produced by Mike Vernon Davis, Silver Medal are now taking control of their own destiny with their label, Self Proclaimed Records. This independent spirit shines through in their new material.
'Doubtful', the first taste of 'Older Dreams', is a compelling blend of soaring rock and shimmering electro-pop. The track opens with a pulsating bassline, punctuated by ethereal vocal snippets and atmospheric synths, creating a captivating sonic landscape. As Brannan's introspective vocals take centre stage, the song builds towards a powerful crescendo. The pivotal moment arrives after the two-minute mark, where the poignant question, "am I the one to blame?" resonates deeply, underscored by the track's hypnotic melody.
Elsewhere on the EP, 'You Could Be' shines with washed out, hazy indie pop, while 'The Summit' rolls with a deep, rolling groove. There's a wistful, almost melancholic touch that echoes perfectly, creating a heavy contrast to the lighter, buoyant tones of 'Sadder Song', and the light, lingering atmospherics of 'Ossuary'.
The band's ability to weave together tight, rhythmic indie pop structures with expansive, post-rock soundscapes is a hallmark of their sound, and 'Older Dreams' looks set to further explore this dynamic. Their music is characterised by a tension between hope and a sort of weary resignation, with Brannan's lyrics often diving into existential themes. This emotional depth, combined with the band's polished production, mixed by Justin Chase and mastered by Christopher Colbert, makes for a truly immersive listening experience.
Silver Medal's trajectory has seen them refine their sound and solidify their identity as a band that's not afraid to explore the darker corners of the human experience. With 'Older Dreams', they're inviting us to join them on a journey through these introspective landscapes, and 'Doubtful' has certainly piqued our curiosity.
For more from the band, be sure to find them on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Bandcamp.
