Out today is Pepper, Tory Silver’s four-song EP of solid, bluesy rock that muses on the little things. But the question is, what type of pepper does this 20 minute release fall under?
Well, it’s not a short and sweet bell pepper– This EP takes its time. Silver weaves her soulful voice through a blur of guitar solos and scattered piano notes, especially on “Golden,” which clocks in past the five minute mark. About the songs, vocalist, guitarist, and lyricist Silver says, “some of the lyrics are taken quite literally… others have a few more layers.”
At the same time, these songs don’t resemble spicy poblano, serrano, or jalapeño peppers. It’s easy, comforting listening. In fact, this EP’s strongest moments are perhaps when Silver pulls in complementary harmonies from Nate Shaffer, who also adds keys. Their voices echo and moan like the wind, particularly on “Walk Through the Door,” and it becomes a beautiful mess by the end, reminding the listener that “we’re all just human, trying to find our own.”
Yet, something milder like a shishito pepper doesn’t do this EP fair representation either. We don’t need to add flames or salt to this one. Ryan DeGroot on bass, drummer Josh Kenworthy, and Silver’s own guitar licks add enough flavor, drawing on blues-inspired rock. And this musical flavor dips in and out tastefully, exemplified at the three minute 30 second mark on “Maple Glazed,” when the music seemingly comes to a close, then crescendos in an amalgamation of musicianship and passion.
And then there’s “Salt and Pepper.” First, we’re introduced to a catchy bass line. Silver and Shaffer harmonize. The keyboard comes in, playfully. Finally the song’s rhythm and percussion burst the song wide open, and it’s made abundantly clear; it’s black cracked pepper, flavorful and essential. From cracked pepper in the morning to cracks in the floorboard, vocalist and lyricist Silver tackles the mundane with 20 minutes of melodies that are easy and soulful– just how a blues/rock combo should be.
Stream Pepper below and don’t miss Tory Silver’s EP release show at The Lizard Lounge in Cambridge tonight, Thursday October 11th with The Drunk Monkeys and Toledo. Buy your $10 advance tickets right here.