Silkworm
"Italian Platinum"
(Touch & Go)

Silkworm's last record, "Lifestyle", was on my top ten list of 2000. It
helped me finally understand a band that I had ignored for years, and led me
to rediscover their older records. While there are some great moments on
their previous recordings, they were unable to duplicate the magic that
"Lifestyle" exudes for me.

"Italian Platinum" continues where "Lifestyle" left off, the sound is
familiar. To my ears Silkworm was a band that got better by simplifying
things, and "Italian Platinum" still has the simple jagged rhythms and
percussive power present on their previous record, as showcased in the
rocker "A Cockfight of Feelings" or the sing-along "Dirty Air", which
reminds me of a harder Silver Jews song.

Moving is a quiet drum n' bass workout that moves slowly, creating a lazy
mood. Heather Whinna makes a vocal appearance on "Young", which features a
Stones-y piano part. Although the song itself is fantastic, I can't help
but think how much better the song would be if Tim Midgett sang it instead.
That song ranks up there with the best on "Lifestyle".

"LR72", also features nice piano work and a loping melody, aiding the
narration of the story-song. "White Lightning" has a clever guitar lead and
develops into a a good female/male vocal part that has Pixies written all
over it.

"Italian Platinum" is the voice of a band who has found a successful sound
and decided to stick with it, without making any substantial departures or
taking any huge risks. For fans of "Lifestyle".

-Karthik