this album reminded me of a very impressive cross between two camps of post-rock that share similarities, but don’t usually get mentioned with each other when it comes to these “this band sounds like these bands” comparisons. those in question are the godspeed camp and dirty three. being that silver ray are from australia, it’s not too surprising i guess that dirty three might be an influence — but i think what draws me to this band the most is that they seem to be a bit more “back country” than even the dirty three stuff. there is an ease and sense of wide-horizoned peace that runs throughout these songs that i really admire - although i have lived the vast majority of my life here in the level midwest of the united states, hearing these songs helps me imagine what being surrounded by the australian wastelands must feel like.

silver ray are definitely another candidate for my personal favorite genre, post-americana.

the band followed this album up with two more albums of an equal caliber - 2002’s new love and 2004’s humans. check out their page on pharmacy records or the band’s myspace for more information. they mention an upcoming album is in the works, and guitarist cam butler has a couple of solo releases on his own.

silver ray - no need to try now (from this is silver ray, 2001, pharmacy)

silver ray - burning romance (from new love, 2002)