Silvertrain+ - Epitaph

Hear The Track Here

I write Silvertrain+ because whatever this is, it isn't a real Silvertrain track. In fact, it wouldn't qualify in any except for the involvement of Mr Music Clip, John Brandon of Silvertrain. In collaboration, in this case, with Lana Albert and Damien Project - a couple of names that should be familiar to you if you keep your eyes and ears open. Of particular importance is the inclusion of Damien Project, as John points out 'because Mark makes music with the sole intention of raising awareness of Juvenile Diabetes' and that is a pretty rare thing in this material world. Lana Albert is a well known and respected member of Soundclick's burgeoning New Age/Classical community epitomised by her collaborations with such luminaries as Ed Drury, Evan Paul Kozaris and others.

I'm not quite sure who did what, or even where, but the end result comes across magnificently moody and oh so John. Above all, the lesson I have learned about this songwriter is that he does love his ballad, and Epitaph - as you would imagine - is one of the weepy kind. So, hankies at the ready we progress. As I mentioned in my review of the last Silvertrain track, the production standards of this new material is as good as it gets. Although I fouond the vocal initially a bit boomy, I think that's probably down to my ears because after a while I didn't even notice it. Probably because I was too busy sobbing me li'l heart out...

Such a softy, me.

Actually, such a softie John really because he is undoubtedly the inspiration behind this peice. I suspect the guitar lines come from Damien Project and I don't a clue what else. To delve into the long and boring story of my intense dislike of ballads is to redundant for words by now and - surprisingly - I found myself liking this sombre little track more and more. It's currently number 1 in the Power Pop genre and it so deserves it, a widescreen, three hankie monster of a ballad that shows that despite all my efforts to dissuade him from this path John Brandon has fnally delivered a ballad that counts. Damn, even I have to admit to liking it and that is going to cause havoc with my already tattered reputation.

Excellent, superfine ballad.