Great things come to those who wait. I first heard Sons of Silver almost a year ago by my best guess when their video for ‘Tell Me This’ was released.  It has been a long process waiting for their debut full-length album to be unleashed into the world. There were an additional three songs released leading up to the album, with each single building high hopes for the album. The band pull influences from different parts of the rock genre but really bring rock ‘n’ roll in general to the forefront of the conversation.

‘Tell Me This’ kicks off the album and has reminded me a bit of an old band called the Royal Court of China from the 80’s who could never be really put in a specific musical box. The lead guitar (Kevin Haaland) here is excellent and does not let up throughout the song. Vocally, Pete Argyropoulos (also guitar) has a lower tone that may contribute to my musical comparison, but he could also be compared to the likes of Billy Idol or Ian Astbury as he showcases some different tones across the whole album. The previous singles from the album follow in the order they were released so the groovy ‘Just Getting Started’ follows as another punchy singalong winner. It was the third single that originally sent my expectations through the roof as ‘Giving it Back’ recalls the Cult crossed with prime Billy Idol type rock. The guitar work is subtle and masterful through the verses with a chorus that automatically connects with your memory.

As good as the first three singles were though, it is the last single released at the end of 2024 that connects at a primal level. ‘Running Out of Words’ slows the pace a bit and becomes a midtempo rocker that does not waste one second across its six-minute duration. The album always takes me more than its running time to play because this song keeps getting put on repeat. Musically, it builds into a monster of a chorus, and the lyrics really relate to all of us who spend our lives working as hard as we can and encountering tremendous challenges along the way. This song would fit perfectly on classic rock radio stations and modern rock stations. I can safely say this will be one of my favorite songs of the year. Incredibly, the band close out the first half with another gem that doesn’t suffer in the shadow of what comes before it. I would not be surprised to see Little Steven’s Underground Garage make ‘Baby Hang On’ one of its ‘Coolest Songs in the World’ at some point in 2025. The keyboards (Brina Kabler) pop up a bit more here in the mix, and the hand clapping at points in the song are an awesome touch.   

After a monster of a side one, the band faced an incredible challenge to deliver a worthy flipside. ‘Ghosts’ provides a great start with a slow build turning into a rocking song that channels a bit of the 80’s arena sound but with a very modern touch. The rhythm section of Adam Kury (bass) and Marc Slutsky (drums) are another strength as these songs all have a great foundation. It is also worth highlighting that the songs all sound like the same band without sounding like each other. There is a high note hit in the bridge here that gives the song an extra boost before the guitar solo. ‘Nobody Minds’ delivers another quality rocker with my favorite part of the song being the dynamics created by the transition from the verses to the chorus. The band increases the tempo a bit (still rock ‘n’ roll not metal or punk mind you) with ‘Warning Signs’ providing a catchy three-minute blast of fun.

As we approach the final two songs, the band decide there will be no let up in quality across these ten songs. ‘Hold Tight’ is another near six-minute epic that increases in intensity for over a minute before unleashing a melodic blast of a chorus that encourages solidarity with one another. The final minute of the song provides another slow build that ultimately leads to a furious close by Slutsky. The band save the ballad for the final song with the piano led ‘Friends’ providing a perfect close to the album. The subtle changes throughout the song are perfectly done as the lead vocals have great nuances when we transition through the verses and chorus. The band also wisely avoids the power ballad route here and provides just the right amount of build-up through the song.

Sons of Silver have gone for the jugular here with a rock ‘n’ roll album that combines the past, the current, and likely the future into a collection of 10 songs that sit perfectly together. The production work allows the players to shine and stand out in the mix. It’s only January, and I have two albums (Frankie & the Studs for those keeping track at home) that will probably be battling it out at the end of the year with only a few others in a year lined-up with anticipated albums. Check this album out when you get a moment, and, if you don’t have a moment, make the time to have one.

‘Runaway Emotions’ is available now.

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Author: Gerald Stansbury