Melodic post-hardcore outfit Trace Remains unveils their latest single, “Silent Bell,” a track lifted from their upcoming long player, Leverage the Tides, recorded at The Church Recording Studio in Pittsburgh and co-produced by the band and Dave Hidek. Leverage the Tides is slated to drop November 8
Vocalist/guitarist Joey Vesely explains, “‘Silent Bell’ is a song whereby some of the themes and images from the record start to emerge. most notably, references to water. The forthcoming album is called ‘Leverage the Tides’ and ‘Silent Bell’ ties into the water narrative in a couple of ways.
“The song starts from the point of view of someone about to experience a sudden, catastrophic event. in this case, a tsunami, a flood, a hurricane, a typhoon, etc. and the idea is that this person is watching the water come to them rapidly, they don’t have time to get out of its path. but there’s a split second of acknowledgement, of life flashing before their eyes. During that split second time feels like it goes in slow motion. They process a variety of thoughts before realizing they are still alive and have survived.
“The water in the song is ultimately a metaphor for the process of change. There are times in life when a major shift or unforeseen change happens, and the images evoked in the lyrics are intended to paint a picture for the way this process can feel. I think sometimes the best way to navigate life during these times is to lean in to the change and embrace the unknown of what lies ahead. to allow the unknown to become an opportunity for personal growth and evolution.”
Comprising Joey Vesely (vocals, guitar), Joel Grimes (guitar), John Perry (guitar), Jon Rigatti (bass), and Jesse Tranfo (drums), Trace Remains formed in 2017 and have toured the country, worked with legendary Fugazi drummer Brendan Canty, and played in beloved bands within Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania’s vibrant DIY scene centered around the non-profit co-op venue The Mr. Roboto Project.
Trace Remains’ sound blends elements of post-punk, alt-rock, and indie-rock into visceral, edgy melodies that at times give way to elegant interludes.
Vesely says, “There is an intensity and aggression in our music, but there are always earworms lurking about—we’re Beatles fans.”
A chugging, dirty guitar opens “Silent Bell,” followed by the entry of Vesely’s evocative vocals riding over tight, off-kilter percussion. On the chorus, the guitars take on gleaming, barbed-wire textures that eventuate in a deliciously searing solo section. Wall-of-sound guitars and heavy-duty harmonies lead to a growling outro.
With “Silent Bell,” Trace Remains struts their sharply focused songwriting, revealing a luscious rawness of sound and pressure.
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