Album Review: Widow's Weeds by Silversun Pickups

Turning inward on their fifth full-length, Los Angeles four-piece Silversun Pickups shifts away from the pulsing synths and thrills of their previous effort, amplifying the drama and tension with the moody Widow's Weeds. While not as immediate as their prior few albums, the introspective set maintains the band's focus on melodic hooks and swelling, orchestral layers, which serve to buffer their ever-potent brand of alternative rock. Joined by producer Butch Vig (Nirvana, the Smashing Pumpkins, Garbage), the group -- vocalist/guitarist Brian Aubert, bassist Nikki Monninger, drummer Christopher Guanlao, and keyboardist Joe Lester -- delivers a tight attack for these distressed and mournful songs, supercharging buzzy riffs and pounding percussion to drive Aubert's pained lyrics deep into the core.

Full Review >>

Reboot the machine. It seems that from the start, Silversun Pickups have had their eyes on making Widow's Weeds a "return-to-roots" album. Those paying close attention took notice when the band parted ways with pop producer Jackknife Lee - who completed Neck of the Woods and Better Nature - in favor of Butch Vig, whose achievements include Nirvana's Nevermind and Smashing Pumpkins'Gish. The statement was obvious - they wanted to move away from the shimmering electronics of their last two records and towards something heavier.

Full Review >>