Lost thoughts? Silver Medal's “Doubtful” has the answer
‘Doubtful’, the latest release from US band Silver Medal, is an electronic balancing act between synth nostalgia and modern alternative sound. The intro reminds me of the soundscapes of "Parralox". But Silver Medal go their own way and manage to mix organic elements with electronic DNA to create a highly interesting synth pop cocktail.
As for the vocals, I'm ambivalent. They are extremely high pitched and have a generous portion of reverb. For my taste, they balance dangerously close to the limit of what is tolerable. Even if they don't quite fall into the ‘vocal alienation’ category, I would have liked to have seen a little less gimmickry here. Still, I have to admit that this daring vocal style fits the alternative nature of the song and also reflects the band's look.
Lyrically, I dive into a world full of self-doubt. Lines like "Where are my thoughts when not up in my head? / Did I lose them? Were they stripped away?" strike a chord with a generation that is constantly struggling with itself. I think Silver Medal manages to combine profound lyrics with catchy melodies here.
For me, ‘Doubtful’ is definitely a track worth listening to, even if it deviates from the typical Electrozombies sound pool in places. The mixture of synth pop and alternative elements makes the song something special. However, I would like to see even more focus on synthesizer sounds in future releases. That would give the electronic aspect of their music even more weight and, selfishly, I would like it better.
Listen to "Silver Medal – Doubtful" on Spotify
Listen to "Silver Medal – Doubtful" on Bandcamp
Lyrics of "Silver Medal – Doubtful"
I cant help but work myself into a state of doubt.
If I could open up would anything come out?
Would it be useful, or would it just fade away?
Like any other thought I’ve had, and can’t reclaim?
I can’t quite collect myself when in a state of shock-
It’s hard to know if you are breathing or you're not.
Your body makes a call completely on it’s own-
And in the moment is it really best to know?
Which way it chooses to go? No…But which way will it choose to go?
Where are my thoughts when not up in my head?
Did I lose them? Were they stripped away?
Am I the one to blame?
Am I the one to blame?
I’m not likely to succeed in breaking down these walls-
And if I did, might the floor then also fall?
No guarantee it isn’t built on so much sand-
Or of a surface underneath on which to land.
Where are my thoughts when not up in my head?
Did I lose them? Were they stripped away?
Am I the one to blame? Am I the one?
Where are my thoughts when not up in my head?
Am I the one to blame? Did I lose them?
Am I the one to blame? Did I lose them?
Not up in my-
