Silk – Auralux (2026)
After hearing ‘Clementine’ over two months ago and dropping my review of it, I could not wait to share my feelings on the EP it came from. Finally, I can, and what an EP it is! Auralux is a piece of shoegaze perfection from Belfast act Silk, who are one of the most exciting acts I’ve heard in a long time and have fast become one of my favourites, and I’m pushing anyone who’ll listen to give this great act the attention they deserve.
From the opening and title track ‘Auralux’, the hairs on the back of my neck stood up and did not go down for the next 28 minutes. With a hazy opening, the track gently welcomes you into Silk’s own unique take on shoegaze, which delves deep into the darker side of the melodies we’ve all come to know the genre by. This distortion-laden track fits all elements together perfectly. Vocalist Michael Smyth puts his own distinct stamp on the music from the get-go as it blends in to create a wall of sound that must be bathed in. Then came the track which introduced me to Silk, ‘Clementine’. I won’t go on about it anymore, but if you want to hear me pontificate over its perfection, check out my review of it.
With the third track of the album ‘July’, Smyth creates a rich sound full of layers that just accentuates the abundance of talent flowing through Silk. Not even halfway through the record, and I already knew it was going to be making my records of the year list. The repetitive churning throughout the track builds a wonderful sound that I never wanted to end. That was until ‘Slide Away’, which, for me, is the song of the album. I could not help but draw comparisons with some of my favourite bands, such as Mogwai and My Bloody Valentine, whilst still being clearly its own beast. It only increases the great sense of reverence I get when listening to Silk’s music.
As I ventured into the twilight of the record, I really liked the subtle changes to the sound that came. With the penultimate track ‘August’, Silk offer a slightly softer tone that gradually builds to an all-powerful crescendo, reminiscent of another of my favourite bands, Deftones.
The closing track, ‘Pleasures’, ended the record perfectly. It felt like the closing credits to a movie that, if it were on VHS, I’d rewind and start it all over again! Again, having a slightly softer chill to the earlier songs works perfectly as the EP builds to an epic conclusion, leaving you wanting more. I think the way Silk is being quiet yet loud, hazy yet clean, really sets them apart from a lot of other bands I’ve heard recently.
I cannot reiterate enough how much I love Silk, and I think Auralux is a masterpiece! As soon as they play anywhere near me, I’ll be there. Until then, Auralux will keep me going, and I hope it does for you too!
Find out more about Silk on his Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, YouTube, SoundCloud and Spotify.
This artist was sent to us by Old Crows Promotions
