"Parhelion is filled with the kind of adventurous [yet, melodic] instrumental wandering that has become the signature sound of guitarist Robin L. and multi-instumentalist Erick K. Together they manage to make songs that feel like a narrative; tenuously shifting enough without overindulging in an avant-garde sonic masturbation of sorts [which is sometimes my least favorite part about instrumental bands]. If you close your eyes you can almost see a short film unfolding." -The Deli Magazine NYC "(Parhelion)....follows in much the same fashion as their debut, and I you, to pieces, offering more of their intense, progressive grooves that place these two musicians in such high regard. Robin Landy is one of those guitarists I have to limit myself to hearing just to keep myself from succumbing to the urge to give up and put my guitar down for good, and Eric Kuhn just might be the finest rock drummer you're likely to hear in the Bay Area today. When they're on, they'll simply knock you flat on your ass." - popdose "Silian Rail's second full length is a definitive statement on the future of post-rock. In a genre that's become formulaic with long instrumental epics full of delayed guitar, Silian Rail is a breath of fresh air....Silian Rail is not afraid of catchy pop hooks, and revisits themes throughout their meticulously arranged compositions. Parhelion is a truly riveting and original piece of work from a band quickly on the rise." - Savage Henry Magazine "While Parhelion is a clear evolution of their sound, it draws on the same cinematic feel of previous albums. Whatever you happen to be doing, no matter how trivial the task "driving, shopping online, working out at the gym" it becomes a pivotal scene in your life-movie, for which this music is the score. Depending on the song, the scene could be redemptive, determined or sadly reflective. Memories flash by in montage as the world seems to drip with drama, everything gets heavy and really means something." - The Signal and Noise "Oakland duo Silian Rail have made an album celebrating the tone of the well played electric guitar with by smart percussion. Robin Landy (guitars) Eric Kuhn (drums, foot synth, vibraphone, glockenspiel) take instrumental music to the next level on their Parhelion album. "I try not to make a habit of coveting thy neighbor's anything, but Christ if Silian Rail doesn't make me jealous. Jealous for their tone-some glorious, thick whomp that sounds like Bigfoot tap-dancing on the strings. Jealous for their composition; the rare form of noodley that travels down the road to an agreeable destination. Jealous for their form; the very fun ways in which they play multiple instruments at once. "...for half an hour, the Bay Area duo's dazzling post-rock put into a play a '78 Van Halen vs. Sabbath scenario (albeit on a fraction of the scale): the talented, no-name undercard blows away the headliner with technical ecstasy. Robin Landy and Eric Kuhn simultaneously played more instruments than the limitations of four limbs usually allow. Landy crafted stuttering, bass-like guitar lines drenched in spacey atmosphere; Kuhn played everything else - tat-tat drums, synths, guitar, glockenspiel and sometimes all at once. Unburdened by vocals, the guitar-spoke volumes, periodically constructing heavy walls of sound via lose-yourself, blitzkrieg riffing." - Performer Magazine "Silian Rail is an absolute pleasure to see live. You will leave the show with ringing ears, glazed eyes, the desire to start a new band, and a copy of their latest release Parhelion (Parks and Records) clenched in your sweaty palms." - SF Station Silian Rail... did blow my mind. When it was announced at the beginning of their set that there would be no vocals my hopes plummeted. Other than "classical" music, I hate instrumental music. I get bored, I look around, I think about what I could be watching on Netflix. But not for Silian Rail, it was enthralling, mesmerizing and everything a good band should be. It was just guitar and drums, but both were played with such skill and creativity. The guitar lines were so intricate and beautiful weaving a melody over all the intense and frenzied drum beats. At the end of the set, realizing I hadn't looked at my watch once, or ever thought about Dr Who, I cheered along with everyone else.- Spinning Platters
Their 'less is more' approach focuses on textures and natural echo. At first sounding like "roll tape and put out an album" turns out to be a layered piece of work that unveils fresh gems after each listen. The adequately titled Maps And Mazes is a rock song crashing into jazz licks before turning into a vibraphone driven lullaby of sorts - the kind of music that will baffle budding guitarists and put a smile on the face of any musician with an open mind an a good ear.
- Here Comes The Flood" - Here Comes The Flood
Live Reviews
Silian Rail's new album Parhelion on Parks and Records is worth picking up, but at the Guayaki Mate Bar Friday night, they proved they're better live; or, at least, the tricks are revealed. Seven or so effects pedals for the guitarist, a drummer that hammers guitar frets while striking the hi-hat and stepping on bass tones with his foot, and the elusive connection required to pull it all off. See them if you can, leave happy and envious." - City Sound Inertia
