In 2008, The Silent Years - founded by Josh Epstein – produced The Globe, an astonishing “indie dream pop” album that picked up devotees and fans of genuine rock music along the way. The Detroit band’s latest EP, Let Go,  is another intensely personal set of expansive songs that blend elements of orchestral pop, folk-rock, psychedelia, electronics, and more. At times, it recalls The Flaming Lips, Arcade Fire, and even Modest Mouse. A sprawling kaleidoscopic invocation of the life force with songs that veer from jubilation to simmering prayerful meditation. The strongest tunes (Madame Shocking, Vampires Bite The Hands Feed Them), as on the previous album, remain those with a full-on wave of mutilation. They can begin softly, tentatively, before cresting, nearly without you realizing it, into giant splashes of sonic boom.

You can pick up Let Go on July 14th off SideCho Records or download it here. Or even pick up The Globe (among other albums) on their .

This week The Silent Years drummer Ryan Clancy drops by the Kata Rokkar to answer the ol’ Kuestionnaire. Enjoy!

 

 

 

1. Of all the bands/artists in your CD/record collection, which one is your most cherished?
Well, for me that would probably have to be this copy of the Beach Boys Endless Summer that I bought from a thrift store. Only because when I got it home I found an amazing poster of Prince and the Revolution inside the sleeve. It was kinda like eating an ice cream sundae and finding a hundred dollar bill on the bottom of the dish.

2. What have you been listening to lately?
The coffee maker and the shower are both running in this hotel room in Phoenix, so I’ve been listening to that, also Mike just coughed.

3. What¹s your favorite local band?
Detroit has too many awesome bands for me to list 1… Child Bite, the Word Play, Javelins, Pop Project, Deastro, Mason Proper, Magic Shop…so many more.

4. What was the last show you attended?
I went to this weird burlesque kinda show in Detroit where this dude was hanging from the ceiling by hooks in his back, then some girl did some weird dance where she stripped out of like 20 different bras. both kinda made my palms sweat.

5. What was the greatest show you’ve ever been to?
For me it was probably Crooked Fingers/Azure Ray, Rush/Primus, or SmallBrownBike/Thoughts of Ionesco.

6. What show are you looking forward to?
I was going to go to that Animal Collective show, but it sold out, and I think I’d rather not see that band live honestly, cause I like the new record so much I dont really want anything to ruin it…is that weird?

7. What musician would you like to hang out/work with for a day?
Eric Bachman, and my brother Clance

8. What four albums you would bring to a deserted island?
neutral milk hotel-aeroplane over the sea
the god delusion (by richard dawkins)-audio book
a photo album
beastie boys-pauls boutiqe

9. Would you call yourself a music geek?
No. I just like music because slutty girls like music.

10. Any favorite music-related videos/DVDs you own?
Braid, Face to Face, Slapstick, Flaming Lips, Sigur Ros, and Refused all have good ones.

11. What’s the last book you read?
Ive been switching back and forth between this Bio book of Elvis Costello (which is rad) and the Book of Morman that I took from a hotel in Idaho, I’ve only read through the first book of Nephi, but there is adventure at every turn.

12. Do you prefer live performances or recording in the studio?
Both are great because they have that post accomplishment elation, but I think I¹d have to go with live because I get my cardio in as well.

13. Any embarrassing moments on stage you¹d like to share?
Being embarrassed is overrated.

14. Any favorite tour locations?
Santa Rosa, Portland, Boston, Detroit.

15. Lastly, what have you done today?
I woke up before everyone, which is odd, I got intimate with myself in the shower, put on some coffee, walked outside to have a cigarette and see if I could spot Dan Marley, drank more coffee, brushed my teeth, then Josh asked me to do this interview. I’m excited because we get to play with Child Bite in Lawrence tomorrow.

The Silent Years – Madame Shocking

The Silent Years – No Secrets

 Child Bite – Banana Gorgon

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