Silver Synthetic’s sophomore album, Rosalie, is a sun-drenched reverie of cosmic Americana and polished guitar-driven grooves, marking a significant evolution from their 2021 debut. With a sound that recalls the West Coast warmth of the Byrds and the melodic sensibility of Teenage Fanclub, the New Orleans quartet leans further into their strengths—effortless harmonies, crisp production, and a natural, unhurried flow.
The album finds a fitting home on Brent Rademaker’s Curation Records, a label known for nurturing modern interpretations of vintage sounds. Rademaker himself hails Rosalie as “the album the label has been looking for,” and it’s easy to see why. There’s an undeniable cohesion to this record—each song feels like a piece of a larger, hazy sonic journey, where shimmering guitars, steady rhythms, and lush vocals guide the listener through a dreamlike landscape.
Chris Lyons’ songwriting, which first emerged as a departure from the garage-punk edge of his previous band, BottomFeeders, now fully embraces its mellow, harmony-laden direction. Guitarist Kunal Prakash (formerly of JEFF The Brotherhood) complements this shift with smooth, spacious arrangements, while bassist Ben Jones and drummer Lucas Bogner provide a steady pulse that never rushes the groove. The band’s decision to keep the production uncluttered gives the album an organic, lived-in feel—like an old record rediscovered in a dusty collection, but somehow fresh and immediate.
Opening track “Age of Infamy” sets the tone with its laid-back swing, before drifting into Pavement-esque territory. The album’s centerpiece, “Cool Blue Night,” features Rex Gregory on saxophone and flute, adding a late-night, jazz-inflected vibe that expands the band’s sonic palette. Meanwhile, pedal steel virtuoso Luke Schneider lends his touch to several tracks, deepening the album’s cosmic country feel.
Lyrically, Rosalie balances wistful nostalgia with a modern sense of detachment, painting vignettes of fleeting moments and restless wanderings. The album’s namesake, “Rosalie,” refers to Lyons’ 70-year-old neighbor—an anecdote that underscores the band’s ability to find beauty in the everyday.
With Rosalie, Silver Synthetic refines and elevates their sound, crafting a record that’s both timeless and contemporary. Fans of Beachwood Sparks, Rose City Band, or even classic touchstones like Big Star and Neil Young will find plenty to love here. As the band continues to carve out their niche in the ever-expanding world of modern Americana, Rosalie stands as a testament to the magic of subtlety, space, and a well-placed harmony. – Jason Felton